Brain Function, Dysfunction and Post-Damage Reorganization, Two Decades of Research

Dear Colleagues,

In recent decades, there has been much research leading to new understanding related to CNS function. These advancements have stimulated changes in the researcher approach toward some classical dogmas in neuroscience. Indeed, since the pioneering studies of Cajal, the brain has been considered a static and stable structure. Furthermore, classically, the leading idea has been that different functions are segregated in specific brain areas. Recently, new technologies have allowed us to investigate the physiology and architecture of the human central nervous system from a new perspective. Findings from these studies have led to a new conception of the brain as a plastic and dynamic entity. Moreover, imaging studies and computational models have suggested that complex functional and structural neuronal networks, rather than isolated brain areas, underpin the sensorimotor and cognitive aspects of human behavior. From a biomolecular perspective, updates in scientific literature have pointed out the critical role of biomarkers modulating brain functions and neural networks.

This growing body of evidence has allowed us to devise new models of CNS damage caused by either cerebrovascular, neuroinflammatory or neurodegenerative diseases and provided the rationale for innovative therapies such as thrombolysis, neurorehabilitation, and neuromodulation.

This Special Issue aims to collect and describe recent updates in brain function, dysfunction, and post-damage reorganization from a multidisciplinary perspective. In this Special Issue, several knowledgeable researchers in this field will provide new issues with significant implications in the knowledge of brain physiology, pathology, and repair.

Prof. Dr. Nicola Smania
Dr. Nicola Valè
Guest Editors

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