Early-Life Hormonal and Neurotransmitter Regulation of Neurodevelopment

Neurodevelopment is a fundamental and decisive process that determines the structure and function of the brain, thereby shaping motor, cognitive, linguistic, behavior, and socio-emotional skills across animal species, including humans. Disruptions in neurodevelopment can induce several neurological and psychiatric conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability, as well as learning, communication, and motor disorders. Proper neurodevelopment depends on the precise orchestration of endocrine and neurotransmitter signaling pathways that regulate cell proliferation, neuronal differentiation, synaptogenesis, and neural circuit maturation. During prenatal and early postnatal life —the first 1,000 days in humans —thyroid hormones, steroid hormones, insulin/IGF-1, and neuropeptides interact dynamically with neurotransmitter systems including dopamine, serotonin, GABA, glutamate, and acetylcholine. Together, these signaling networks modulate critical neurodevelopmental processes ranging from axonal guidance and synaptic plasticity to myelination and the establishment of functional neural networks.Growing evidence indicates that hormonal and neurotransmitter systems do not act inn isolation but instead are tightly integrated in the regulation of brain development. Recent advances in molecular imaging, genomics, epigenomics, and developmental neuroendocrinology have provided unprecedent insights into how early-life endocrine and neurochemical environments program long-term behavioral trajectories and mental health outcomes. However, mechanistic links between hormonal exposures, neurotransmitter dynamics and clinical phenotypes remain incompletely understood. This Research Topic aims to gather cutting-edge basic and clinical research addressing the hormonal and neurotransmitter mechanisms that sculpt the developing nervous system. We particularly encourage integrative and translational perspectives that bridge endocrinology, neuroscience, and developmental biology. We welcome the submission of original research and reviews that explore the role of hormones and neurotransmitters in neurodevelopment across experimental and clinical contexts. Submissions may include, but are not limited to:- Experimental studies dissecting hormonal and neurotransmitter control of neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, myelination, and neural circuit maturation- Work on thyroid hormones, steroid hormones, insulin/IGF-1, neuropeptides, and their crosstalk with major neurotransmitter systems during prenatal and early postnatal life- Translational and clinical studies linking early-life endocrine or neurochemical alterations with neurodevelopmental, cognitive, or behavioral outcomes- Imaging, genetic, epigenetic, and multi-omics approaches to early-life neuroendocrine and neurotransmitter regulation of brain development- Studies addressing sex-specific, critical-period, or environmentally induced modulation of hormonal and neurotransmitter signaling in neurodevelopment- Reviews, mini-reviews, and perspectives synthesizing current knowledge and highlighting therapeutic or preventive implications for neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders Topic editors: IGNACIO CAMACHO-ARROYO, Guadalupe Estrada-Gutierrez Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76725/early-life-hormonal-and-neurotransmitter-regulation-of-neurodevelopment