Molecular and Neural Mechanisms of Swallowing

Dear Colleagues,

Swallowing is a complex motor function. Although a brainstem swallowing central pattern generator has been well established, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control swallowing are not fully understood. Besides, neuromodulation mechanisms at the peripheral and central neural circuits, the neurotransmitter system, coordination of swallowing with other motor activities (e.g., respiration, mastication), and the influence and mechanisms of integrating peripheral sensory perception (e.g., taste, olfaction, pain) are not fully elucidated.

Additionally, sensory inputs from swallowing-related regions are vital for different phases of swallowing. Reduced sensory input from the periphery is one of the major causes of dysphagia, making sensory stimulation in swallowing-related regions an important therapeutic strategy. The effectiveness of sensory stimuli (e.g., tactile, electrical, chemical) and their underlying molecular mechanisms to improve swallowing function are emerging research topics. Understanding the mechanism of swallowing is crucial to determine effective treatment strategies for dysphagia.

This Special Issue aims to highlight the current advancements in the neurophysiological basis of swallowing, emphasizing cellular and molecular mechanisms. It also aims to feature research papers dealing with the sensory stimulation strategy for dysphagia and its underlying mechanism. Both original and review papers are welcome.

Prof. Junichi Kitagawa
Dr. Mohammad Zakir Hossain
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.