Cellular Pathways and Cytokine Networks in Tuberous Sclerosis: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 August 2025 | Viewed by 33
Special Issue Editor
Interests: tuberous sclerosis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), affecting 1 in 6000 individuals, is driven by TSC1/2 mutations that hyperactivate mTOR signaling, leading to systemic tumors and neuropsychiatric sequelae. While mTOR inhibitors provide cytostatic relief, recurrence remains a challenge. This Special Issue, “Cellular Pathways and Cytokine Networks in Tuberous Sclerosis: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets”, seeks to advance molecular insights into TSC pathogenesis, emphasizing:
- mTOR-cytokine crosstalk in tumorigenesis and neurodevelopmental deficits.
- Epigenetic/metabolic reprogramming in TSC-associated lesions.
- Developmental signaling axes (e.g., Wnt, Notch) and neural crest contributions to AMLs/LAM (Unachukwu et al., iScience 2021).
- Neuronal cytoskeletal dynamics and synaptic plasticity defects.
- Molecular biomarkers of mTOR hyperactivity and single-cell omics applications.
Your expertise in molecular oncology, signaling biology, or omics approaches positions you as an ideal contributor. We encourage submissions employing the following:
- Lineage tracing or spatial transcriptomics to resolve cellular heterogeneity.
- High-throughput screens for novel therapeutic targets.
- Mechanistic models of TSC1/TSC2 interactome dynamics and downstream mTORC1/2 signaling dysregulation.
- Novel Focus: Integrates naturopathy research with developmental biology.
- Translational Relevance: Aligns with NIH/NINDS priority areas.
This issue will bridge molecular pathophysiology and clinical innovation. We eagerly await your transformative contributions.
Dr. Uchenna John Unachukwu
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- mTOR signaling dysregulation
- neurocristopathy
- cytokine crosstalk
- TSC1/TSC2 complex
- epigenetic modifiers
- metabolic reprogramming
- molecular biomarkers
- spatial transcriptomics
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