Molecular Insight into Epilepsy
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Neurobiology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (12 January 2024) | Viewed by 2995
Special Issue Editor
Interests: voltage and ligand gated ion channel structure and function; channelopathies; signaling transduction; G-protein coupled receptors structure and function; epilepsy and metabolism; variants and pathogenic mutations
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Epilepsy is a complex disorder that can arise from a variety of molecular mechanisms. Some of the known mechanisms include:
- Ion channel dysfunction: Ion channels are proteins that regulate the flow of charged particles, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium ions, into and out of neurons. Mutations in genes that encode these ion channels can lead to abnormal electrical activity in the brain, increasing the likelihood of seizures.
- Synaptic transmission abnormalities: Communication between neurons in the brain occurs through the release and binding of neurotransmitters, which can be disrupted in epilepsy. Changes in the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as glutamate and GABA, can alter the threshold for seizure activity.
- Abnormalities in neurotransmitter receptors: Changes in the structure or function of neurotransmitter receptors can affect their ability to bind to and respond to specific neurotransmitters, leading to altered neuronal activity and seizures.
- Gene mutations: Mutations in genes that regulate neuronal function, such as those involved in the regulation of ion channels or synaptic transmission, can contribute to the development of epilepsy.
- Inflammation: Inflammation in the brain, whether from infection, injury, or autoimmune conditions, can trigger seizures by altering neuronal activity.
- Metabolic abnormalities: Changes in metabolic processes, such as glucose metabolism, can also contribute to the development of epilepsy.
We will accept original research papers, short reports, and compelling, up-to-date reviews in any of the above categories. Since IJMS is a molecular science journal, pure clinical studies will not be suitable for our journal. However, studies of clinical or pure models with experiments of molecular mechanisms are welcome.
Dr. Ciria C. Hernandez
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
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Keywords
- ion channel dysfunction
- synaptic transmission abnormalities
- abnormalities in neurotransmitter receptors
- gene mutations
- inflammation
- metabolic abnormalities
