Signaling Mechanisms of Autophagy and Mitophagy in Neural Tube Morphogenesis and Neural Tube Defects

Autophagy and mitophagy are essential cellular degradation processes that preserve cellular homeostasis by recycling damaged organelles, misfolded proteins, and defective mitochondria. In the context of embryonic development, particularly neural tube formation, these processes are increasingly recognized as pivotal regulators of cellular signaling and morphogenetic dynamics. Recent studies have revealed that misregulation of autophagic and mitophagic pathways can disrupt the precise coordination of cell survival, differentiation, and polarity required for neural plate folding and closure. Disruptions in these pathways have been linked to neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida and anencephaly, major congenital malformations that arise from failure of neural tube closure. Despite emerging insights into autophagy- and mitophagy-related signaling networks, including roles for mTOR, AMPK, and PINK1/Parkin, many mechanistic questions remain unanswered about how these pathways integrate with developmental cues such as Wnt, BMP, Shh, and FGF signaling during neurulation.This Research Topic aims to elucidate the signaling roles of autophagy and mitophagy in neural tube development and their contribution to birth defects, including NTDs. It seeks to uncover how these catabolic processes interface with canonical developmental signaling pathways to coordinate cellular metabolism, polarity, and apoptosis during neural morphogenesis. Furthermore, the goal is to encourage studies that identify novel signaling mediators, genetic models, or molecular interactions that explain the contribution of altered autophagic signaling to human congenital malformations. By integrating molecular, cellular, and developmental perspectives, this Research Topic aims to advance our understanding of the interplay between autophagy, mitophagy, and cell signaling in embryonic neurodevelopment.To gather further insights into the signaling mechanisms governing neural tube development and associated congenital anomalies, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Regulation of autophagy and mitophagy by developmental signaling pathways (e.g., mTOR, AMPK, Wnt, BMP, Shh) during neural tube formationo Interplay between mitochondrial dynamics, bioenergetics, and mitophagic signaling in neurulationo Cellular and molecular mechanisms linking defective autophagy to neural tube closure abnormalitieso Crosstalk between autophagy/mitophagy signaling and cell fate decisions in neural progenitor populationso Genetic and epigenetic regulators of autophagy and mitophagy in early embryogenesiso Experimental and in vivo models elucidating the role of autophagy in birth defect pathogenesiso Translational and therapeutic implications of modulating autophagy or mitophagy signaling in preventing or mitigating neural tube defects Topic editors: Sung-Eun Kim, Marcelo Coutinho De Miranda Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83521/signaling-mechanisms-of-autophagy-and-mitophagy-in-neural-tube-morphogenesis-and-neural-tube-defects