Research of Emerging Mechanisms in Neuronal Signaling
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: 30 March 2026 | Viewed by 20
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
IJMS is inviting submissions for a Special Issue entitled “Research of Emerging Mechanisms in Neuronal Signaling”. For decades, our understanding of neuronal communication has been grounded in the classical model of synaptic transmission. Although this paradigm remains fundamental, growing evidence indicates that the nervous system employs a more diverse and dynamic language than previously recognized. This Special Issue highlights the exciting new frontiers that are redefining how neurons and their surrounding cells communicate to regulate cognition, behavior, physiological condition, and psychiatric states.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- The roles of astrocytes and microglia as signaling partners that modulate synaptic plasticity, network homeostasis, and immune response through the release of gliotransmitters.
- Long-range signaling mechanism via extracellular vesicles released by neurons and glia, which transport proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids to distant recipient cells.
- Novel signaling modalities beyond traditional neurotransmitters—including electrical communication through ephaptic coupling, and the transfer of organelles via tunneling nanotubes—are expanding current definitions of signaling transduction.
- The role of novel organelles, such as the primary cilium, in sensing chemical and mechanical cues from the extracellular environment.
- Local mRNA translation in distal dendrites and axons that enables on-demand protein synthesis to modify specific synapses.
- How mechanosensitive ion channels convert physical stimuli into electrical signals, and how neuronal metabolism influences excitability and signaling capacity.
By moving beyond the classical synapse transmission, this Special Issue seeks to foster an integrated perspective on emerging mechanisms of neural signaling. The insights gained hold significant promise for developing innovative therapeutic strategies for a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, from neurodegenerative diseases to developmental conditions.
Prof. Dr. Dongshu Du
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- neuronal signaling
- astrocytes and microglia
- extracellular vesicles
- ephaptic coupling
- tunneling nanotubes
- primary cilium
- local mRNA translation
- cognition, behavior
- physiology
- psychiatry
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