Unraveling Synaptic Structure and Function in the Healthy and Diseased Brain
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2026 | Viewed by 1026
Special Issue Editor
2. CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Milan-Bicocca University, 20132 Milan, Italy
Interests: multiple roles of Ca2+; neurotrophin receptors; neurodegenerative diseases and their new therapy; non-secretory exocytosis; synaptic pathology; astrocytes, microglia and their role in brain pathology: multiplicity and complexity of extracellular vesicles; control of gene expression; specificity of neural gene expression
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Synapses are fundamental structures of the brain that have been intensely studied, primarily through structural techniques. In contrast, molecular approaches—commonly applied to other organs and systems—have been underutilized in synaptic studies. This Special Issue seeks innovative studies that integrate molecular methods with structural analyses to advance our understanding of synaptic biology.
By combining these complementary approaches, researchers can expand investigations into axons; identify pre- and post-synapses; and elucidate processes such as synaptic vesicle release and receptor activation in postsynaptic dendrites. Potential areas of focus include neuron–glia interaction; the role of extracellular vesicles in the complexity of their cellular origins and the mechanisms of their functions; synaptic components: proteins, lipids, and miRNAs; and many others. Studies addressing synaptic alterations in disease and exploring therapeutic strategies are particularly welcome.
We invite you to contribute your expertise and collaborate with fellow specialists to generate impactful advances in the field.
Prof. Dr. Jacopo Meldolesi
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- molecular studies
- axons
- synapses
- diseases
- glial cells
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