The Pathogenic Mechanisms Underlying Brain Disorders

Dear Colleagues,

A diverse range of brain disorders are among the leading causes of death and disability, posing a large impact on rapidly aging societies. There is currently no effective treatment for these disorders, nor any sustainable solution in terms of prevention. This situation may be attributed partly to a lack of clear understanding regarding the underlying mechanisms. Studies over the last few decades have investigated the central role of brain components, with a focus on neuronal and non-neuronal components. For this special issue, we invite novel and advanced research, opinions (medical hypotheses), and reviews that communicate recent progress on the identification of cellular-molecular mechanisms that mediate the pathogenesis of brain disorders. Studies that identify dysfunctional roles of brain elements, including neuronal and glial components, are also welcome. In this context, a diverse range of work that helps to elucidate the potential underlying mechanisms of brain disorders will be considered relevant. We are also interested in research that focuses on risk factor identification, prognostic markers, and other critical factors that may affect the pathogenesis of brain disorders, including genetics, aging, environmental variables, lifestyle habits, as well as the potential role of other factors such as viral and bacterial infection, sleep, and microbiota. Although much progress has been made over the past decade towards understanding various aspects of brain disorders, more research into molecular mechanisms, diagnostics, and treatment is necessary to reduce the impact of these disorders at the personal and societal level in terms of quality of life and economic burden.

This special issue aims to collect relevant research, reviews, and medical hypotheses and evidence-based opinions on potential pathogenenic mechanisms that underlie a wide range of brain disorders. Submissions on both neurological and psychological disorders are welcome, and a wide range of formats (eg. cellular molecular, imaging, and computational modeling) can be communicated for describing possible mechanisms. Associated topics such as risk factors, modeling and prognostic factors are also welcome, together with novel and disruptive ideas regarding brain disorders and leading to better targeting, treatment and prevention.

Parisa Gazerani and Marcos DosSantos
Guest Editors

Manuscripts should be submitted via our online editorial system at https://imr.propub.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to start your submission. Manuscripts can be submitted now or up until the deadline. All papers will go through peer-review process. Accepted papers will be published in the journal (as soon as accepted) and meanwhile listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, reviews as well as short communications are preferred. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office to announce on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts will be thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. Please visit the Instruction for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) in this open access journal is 2200 USD. Submitted manuscripts should be well formatted in good English.