Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology of Headache and Migraine
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Neurobiology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2026 | Viewed by 277
Special Issue Editor
Interests: sensitization; cortical spreading depolarization/depression; neuropathic pain; pain research; Huntington's disease; Parkinson's disease; polyglutamine disease; apoptosis; autoph
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Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Chronic headache disorders affect approximately 30% of the general population. Migraine, in particular, not only lowers quality of life but also causes considerable productivity loss worldwide. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-mediated sensitization of the trigeminovascular system is known to be a crucial mechanism underlying migraine attacks, as evidenced by the excellent efficacy of CGRP-targeting therapy in migraine control. However, it is important to acknowledge that a subset of migraine sufferers remains resistant to existing treatment options. Therefore, the exploration of novel therapeutic targets, including pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), amylin, transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, and protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2), is essential for advancing migraine therapeutics. Tension-type headache is the most common primary headache disorder. However, there is only a paucity of data on its pathophysiology. Cluster headache is characterized by excruciating unilateral head pain, accompanied by ipsilateral cranial autonomic symptoms. Although recent genetic data have identified several novel susceptible loci for cluster headaches, little is known about the pathophysiology of cluster headaches. Further, many patients suffer from chronic post-traumatic headaches and post-stroke headaches. Given these unmet needs, we should develop novel therapeutic strategies based on a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms. This Special Issue invites high-quality contributions to this end.
Prof. Dr. Mamoru Shibata
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- headache
- migraine
- calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)
- spreading depolarization/depression
- TRP channels
- pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide
- PACAP
- cluster headache
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