Myelin-Axon Dynamics and Neural Circuit Dysfunction in Psychiatric Disorders

Decoding the complexity of mental disorders requires a multidimensional framework that integrates neural circuitry with the brain’s fundamental support systems. While neurocentric models have long dominated the field, mental health research increasingly recognizes the pivotal role of neuroglia in brain function and dysfunction. In particular, oligodendroglia, which myelinate axons and maintain neural circuit integrity, and the intricate axo-myelin unit—which encompasses the myelin sheath, axon, and nodes of Ranvier—have emerged as crucial players in the neurobiology of mental disorders. Recent investigations reveal that disturbances in oligodendrocyte lineage cells, disruptions in myelination, and deficits in nodes of Ranvier and the initial axonal segment assembly are concomitant with abnormalities identified in various psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, mood disorders, and dementia. Progress in neuroimaging and molecular pathology underscores not only the loss of myelin integrity but also the intricate network of glial interactions at critical junctures. Despite these advancements, substantial gaps persist in understanding how these cellular and molecular alterations coalesce to influence clinical symptoms and which components serve as feasible targets for therapeutic intervention.This Research Topic aims to bring together cutting-edge studies elucidating the multifaceted roles of oligodendroglia and axo-myelin interactions in mental disorders. By focusing on molecular, cellular, and connectivity-level changes, the Research Topic seeks to clarify how disruptions in myelin maintenance, nodal assembly, and glial communication contribute to psychiatric manifestations. Our objective is to identify unifying mechanisms underlying myelin and axonal dysfunction across conditions, while also fostering the translation of these findings into novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. We encourage the exploration of mechanistic links and the integration of basic and clinical research, including investigations in patient populations and preclinical models.This Research Topic welcomes investigations situated at the interface of oligodendroglia, myelination, and psychiatric disease, with a particular emphasis on the cellular neuropathology underlying mental disorders. Both limitations of scope—focusing on glial-axonal interactions and myelin-associated abnormalities—and breadth of inquiry are encouraged. To gather further insights into these themes, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following topics:o Alterations in oligodendroglial lineage cells and their effects in mental disorderso Contributions of axo-myelin interactions to neural circuit integrity and psychiatric conditionso Impaired assembly, function, and/or plasticity of nodes of Ranvier and initial axonal segmentso Molecular interplay between myelin internodes, axolemma, and the surrounding extracellular matrixo Plasticity of the axo-myelin unit in psychiatric disease and animal modelso Collaborative roles of perinodal astrocytes and microglia at nodal regions in health and diseaseo Microstructural and molecular analysis of myelin in both gray and white mattero Connectivity alterations measured through neuroimaging and electrophysiological techniqueso Comparisons between patient-derived and preclinical model datao Emerging diagnostic and interventional approaches targeting oligodendroglial and axo-myelin dysfunction Topic editors: Alfredo Bellon, Marcela Valdés-Tovar, Dirk M. Hermann, Héctor Solís-Chagoyán Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80488/myelin-axon-dynamics-and-neural-circuit-dysfunction-in-psychiatric-disorders