Energy for Thought: Bioenergetic Mechanisms Sustaining Central Nervous System Function

This Research Topic follows the Winter School on Bioenergetics of the Central Nervous System, a dedicated event that brought together young researchers to explore how energy metabolism underpins brain function and dysfunction.The central nervous system is one of the most energy-demanding tissues in the body, relying on a continuous and tightly regulated supply of ATP to support synaptic transmission, ion homeostasis, axonal transport, and neuronal survival. Mitochondria sit at the heart of this bioenergetic balance, and their dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a common thread linking neurodevelopmental disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and acute brain injury. Despite substantial progress, key questions remain about how neurons and glia coordinate metabolic demands, how bioenergetic failure propagates across cell types and neural circuits, and how these mechanisms can be therapeutically targeted.This Research Topic aims to bring together original research, reviews, and perspectives that advance understanding of the bioenergetic mechanisms sustaining CNS function in health and disease. We welcome contributions addressing, but not limited to:- Neuronal and glial mitochondrial dynamics, biogenesis, and quality control- Metabolic coupling between neurons, astrocytes, and other glial cells- Bioenergetic dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS)- Mitochondrial mechanisms in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders- Energy metabolism in acute brain injury, ischemia, and hypoxia- Novel imaging, biosensor, or omics approaches to studying brain bioenergetics- Therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial and metabolic pathways in the CNSBy consolidating current knowledge and emerging findings in this area, this Research Topic seeks to foster interdisciplinary dialogue between neuroscientists, cell biologists, and clinicians working at the interface of bioenergetics and brain function. Topic editors: Juana Pasquini, Cecilia Giulivi, Jorge Correale Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85145/energy-for-thought-bioenergetic-mechanisms-sustaining-central-nervous-system-function