Effects of Environmental Perturbations on Brain Functions, Diseases, and Disorders

The field of molecular neuroscience has increasingly recognized that, while the nervous system is characterized by impressive resilience and plasticity, it remains vulnerable to a diverse range of environmental perturbations. Research now demonstrates that disruptions such as altered circadian rhythms caused by shift work can increase dementia risk, while immunogenic exposures, including the COVID-19 virus, may trigger autoimmune responses that harm both the central and peripheral nervous systems. The interplay between environmental stressors and neural function is gaining attention, as new findings continue to link specific exposures to the onset or progression of neurological diseases and disorders.Amidst rapid population growth and technological advancement, global access to a healthy environment is becoming increasingly constrained. Persistent contamination of air, water, and soil due to industrial activity, urban expansion, and agricultural practice contributes to a higher burden of neurotoxic exposures. Light and noise pollution further interfere with normal circadian regulation, exacerbating chronic stress and potentially affecting brain health. Meanwhile, higher population densities and evolving pathogens, coupled with growing antibiotic resistance, heighten risks of infection-induced neurological insults. Access to clean nutrition is also diminishing, posing additional challenges to safeguarding neural integrity.This Research Topic aims to deepen our understanding of how exposure to environmental insults influences the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying brain functions, diseases, and disorders. We seek to address the key pathways and processes involved in the neural response to contaminants, infections, nutritional factors, and other anthropogenic stressors, and to identify biomarkers or therapeutic targets for intervention.To gather further insights in this area, we welcome contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:Air, water, soil, and food contamination and their effects on neural pathwaysPathogen exposure and infection-triggered neurological diseasesMolecular mechanisms by which nutrition shapes brain health and disease riskThe impact of irregular lighting and circadian rhythm disruption on the nervous systemThe effects of xenobiotic exposure, including medications, on brain structure and functionIdentification of stress-related biomarkers linked to environmental exposuresTranslational or therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating the neurological impact of environmental insultsSubmissions may include original research, reviews, mini-reviews, perspectives, and hypothesis/theory articles. Topic editors: Yong Kim, Detlev Boison, Oleksii Shandra Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78403/effects-of-environmental-perturbations-on-brain-functions-diseases-and-disorders