Molecular Mechanisms Linking Circadian Rhythm Disruption to Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Within the field of molecular neuroscience, circadian rhythms are increasingly recognized as fundamental regulators of brain health and disease. Disruption of these intrinsic biological clocks has been closely linked with a spectrum of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, major depression, and schizophrenia. Recent studies have begun to unravel how circadian dysfunction can influence brain pathology through mechanisms such as altered gene expression, synaptic activity, neuroinflammation, and impaired neuronal communication. Despite these advances, significant questions remain about the precise molecular pathways involved, the degree to which circadian disruption drives disease onset versus exacerbating existing pathology, and how these processes differ between individuals and disease types. There is a clear need for further integrative research to clarify these mechanisms and resolve ongoing debates in the field.This Research Topic aims to clarify and define the molecular links between circadian rhythm disruption and the development or progression of brain diseases. By encouraging exploration of how disturbed circadian processes affect brain function at the molecular and cellular levels, this collection seeks to identify new molecular targets that could help guide therapeutic interventions. Central objectives include investigating the underlying signaling pathways that mediate circadian influence on brain pathology, probing the role of specific genes and proteins in this relationship, and evaluating the potential of emerging strategies designed to restore circadian balance as a means of preventing or treating neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions.The focus of this Research Topic is uncovering the molecular basis of circadian rhythm disruption in relation to brain disease mechanisms, while drawing on both experimental and clinical perspectives. We welcome articles that explore, but are not limited to, the following topics:- Interactions between circadian clock genes and neurodegenerative or psychiatric disease pathways- Molecular signaling and regulatory networks connecting circadian disruption to brain dysfunction- Effects of circadian dysregulation on neuroinflammation, metabolism, and synaptic health- Evaluation of therapeutic approaches that target circadian mechanisms in brain disorders- Biomarker discovery for circadian rhythm disturbance in neurological and psychiatric conditions- The impact of environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors on circadian-driven brain disease- Innovative models and methodologies for studying circadian influences in neural systemsOriginal research, reviews, perspectives, and methodological articles are welcomed within this Research Topic. Topic editors: Pallavi Sharma, Xiaoyue Pan Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78228/molecular-mechanisms-linking-circadian-rhythm-disruption-to-neurological-and-neuropsychiatric-disorders