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Synapses are fundamental signaling units of the central nervous system that mediate communication between individual neurons, participate in the computation of neuronal networks, and process information through long-term modification of their strength and structure. The normal function of the central nervous system critically depends on the establishment of ‘precise’ synaptic connections between neurons and specific target cells. During synaptogenesis, synapses form, mature, stabilize, and are eliminated through processes that require intimate communication between pre- and postsynaptic partners. The sequential and/or parallel processes dictate the wiring of neural circuits in a rapid and dynamic fashion. Accumulating evidence suggests that activity-dependent synaptic and circuit plasticity reflects the assembly and disassembly of diverse synapses that occur in a distinctive manner in specific neuron types. In this Research Topic, our purpose is to compile the latest developments in our understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying pre- and postsynaptic assembly, specification of synaptic adhesion pathways, presynaptic neurotransmitter release and postsynaptic receptor trafficking. In addition, non-neuronal cell processes involved in dismantling and eliminating synapses and relevant neural circuits will be covered. Clinical implications of this research topic will be considered, emphasizing the importance of these basic neuroscience research activities for translational and therapeutic applications. This includes literature describing recent methodologies for probing key issues regarding assembly/disassembly of synapses and circuits as well as primary research articles that provide critical insights into these fundamental questions in various model systems and experimental preparations.

Synaptic adhesion molecule --- Neuron --- neural circuit assembly --- recognition --- synapse

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Synapses are fundamental signaling units of the central nervous system that mediate communication between individual neurons, participate in the computation of neuronal networks, and process information through long-term modification of their strength and structure. The normal function of the central nervous system critically depends on the establishment of ‘precise’ synaptic connections between neurons and specific target cells. During synaptogenesis, synapses form, mature, stabilize, and are eliminated through processes that require intimate communication between pre- and postsynaptic partners. The sequential and/or parallel processes dictate the wiring of neural circuits in a rapid and dynamic fashion. Accumulating evidence suggests that activity-dependent synaptic and circuit plasticity reflects the assembly and disassembly of diverse synapses that occur in a distinctive manner in specific neuron types. In this Research Topic, our purpose is to compile the latest developments in our understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying pre- and postsynaptic assembly, specification of synaptic adhesion pathways, presynaptic neurotransmitter release and postsynaptic receptor trafficking. In addition, non-neuronal cell processes involved in dismantling and eliminating synapses and relevant neural circuits will be covered. Clinical implications of this research topic will be considered, emphasizing the importance of these basic neuroscience research activities for translational and therapeutic applications. This includes literature describing recent methodologies for probing key issues regarding assembly/disassembly of synapses and circuits as well as primary research articles that provide critical insights into these fundamental questions in various model systems and experimental preparations.

Synaptic adhesion molecule --- Neuron --- neural circuit assembly --- recognition --- synapse --- Synaptic adhesion molecule --- Neuron --- neural circuit assembly --- recognition --- synapse

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Serotonin is one of the oldest neurotransmitters in evolutionary terms, and the serotonergic system is complex and multifaceted. Serotonin-producing neurons in the raphe nuclei provide serotonin innervations throughout various parts of the brain, modulating cellular excitability and network properties of targeted brain areas, and regulating mood, cognition and behavior. Dysfunctions of the serotonergic system are implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders including depression, schizophrenia, and drug abuse. Although the system has been studied for many years, an integrative account of its functions and computational principles remains elusive. This is partly attributed to the high variability and heterogeneity in terms of neuronal properties and receptor types, and its extensive connections with other brain regions. This Frontiers Research Topic e-book is a collection of recent experimental and computational work and approaches at multiple scales that provide the latest information regarding the integrated functions of the serotonergic system. The contributed papers include a variety of experimental and computational work, and human clinical studies.

Serotonin. --- Dopamine. --- Biogenic amines --- Bromocriptine --- Catecholamines --- Neurotransmitters --- 5-HT (Neurotransmitter) --- Hydroxytryptamine --- Tryptamine --- dorsal raphe nucleus --- Locus Coeruleus --- neural circuit --- Dopamine --- Serotonin --- pendunculopontine tegmental nucleus --- serotonin 5-HT --- computational modeling

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Biosensors, i.e., devices where biological molecules or bio(mimetic)structures are intimately coupled to a chemo/physical transducer for converting a biorecognition event into a measurable signal, have recently gained a wide (if not huge) academic and practical interest for the multitude of their applications in analysis, especially in the field of bioanalysis, medical diagnostics, and clinical assays. Indeed, thanks to their very simple use (permitting sometimes their application at home), the minimal sample pretreatment requirement, the higher selectivity, and sensitivity, biosensors are an essential tool in the detection and monitoring of a wide range of medical conditions from glycemia to Alzheimer’s disease as well as in the monitoring of drug responses. Soon, we expect that their importance and use in clinical diagnostics will expand rapidly so as to be of critical importance to public health in the coming years. This Special Issue would like to focus on recent research and development in the field of biosensors as analytical tools for clinical assays and medical diagnostics.

Technology: general issues --- molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) --- surface imprinted polymers (SIPs) --- electrochemical biosensor --- biomarkers for infectious diseases --- choline biosensor --- amperometric detection --- overoxidized polypyrrole film --- phospholipase D assay --- phosphatidylcholine --- human epididymis protein 4 --- competitive electrochemical immunosensor --- WiFi portable potentiostat --- on-board calibration --- Internet of Things --- 1-methoxy-5-ethyl phenazinium ethyl sulfate --- disposable enzyme sensor --- lactate oxidase --- glucose dehydrogenase --- fructosyl peptide oxidase --- electrochemical enzyme sensor --- biomedical engineering --- surface plasmon resonance --- biosensors --- bio-functionalization optimization --- cost-effective biosensors --- lab-on-a-chip --- aptamer --- labeling --- enzyme --- zinc finger protein --- electrochemical sensor --- vascular endothelial growth factor --- breast cancer --- nanobiosensors --- biomarkers --- electrochemistry --- impedance --- immobilization --- nanomaterial --- nanoparticles (NPs) --- magnetic NPs --- self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) --- signal amplification --- optogenetics --- micro-electrode array --- in situ detection --- electrophysiology --- neural circuit recognition --- biosensor --- carbon dots --- norepinephrine --- tyrosinase --- voltammetry --- folic acid --- real samples --- analytical methods --- electrochemical tools --- choline analysis --- phosphocholine analysis --- choline oxidase --- alkaline phosphatase --- enzyme immobilization --- overoxidized polypyrrole --- electropolymerized non-conducting polymer --- dual electrode biosensor --- simultaneous determination --- flow injection analysis --- capacitive sensing --- alternating current electrokinetic effects --- miRNA sensing --- point-of-care diagnostics --- molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) --- surface imprinted polymers (SIPs) --- electrochemical biosensor --- biomarkers for infectious diseases --- choline biosensor --- amperometric detection --- overoxidized polypyrrole film --- phospholipase D assay --- phosphatidylcholine --- human epididymis protein 4 --- competitive electrochemical immunosensor --- WiFi portable potentiostat --- on-board calibration --- Internet of Things --- 1-methoxy-5-ethyl phenazinium ethyl sulfate --- disposable enzyme sensor --- lactate oxidase --- glucose dehydrogenase --- fructosyl peptide oxidase --- electrochemical enzyme sensor --- biomedical engineering --- surface plasmon resonance --- biosensors --- bio-functionalization optimization --- cost-effective biosensors --- lab-on-a-chip --- aptamer --- labeling --- enzyme --- zinc finger protein --- electrochemical sensor --- vascular endothelial growth factor --- breast cancer --- nanobiosensors --- biomarkers --- electrochemistry --- impedance --- immobilization --- nanomaterial --- nanoparticles (NPs) --- magnetic NPs --- self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) --- signal amplification --- optogenetics --- micro-electrode array --- in situ detection --- electrophysiology --- neural circuit recognition --- biosensor --- carbon dots --- norepinephrine --- tyrosinase --- voltammetry --- folic acid --- real samples --- analytical methods --- electrochemical tools --- choline analysis --- phosphocholine analysis --- choline oxidase --- alkaline phosphatase --- enzyme immobilization --- overoxidized polypyrrole --- electropolymerized non-conducting polymer --- dual electrode biosensor --- simultaneous determination --- flow injection analysis --- capacitive sensing --- alternating current electrokinetic effects --- miRNA sensing --- point-of-care diagnostics

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Biosensors, i.e., devices where biological molecules or bio(mimetic)structures are intimately coupled to a chemo/physical transducer for converting a biorecognition event into a measurable signal, have recently gained a wide (if not huge) academic and practical interest for the multitude of their applications in analysis, especially in the field of bioanalysis, medical diagnostics, and clinical assays. Indeed, thanks to their very simple use (permitting sometimes their application at home), the minimal sample pretreatment requirement, the higher selectivity, and sensitivity, biosensors are an essential tool in the detection and monitoring of a wide range of medical conditions from glycemia to Alzheimer’s disease as well as in the monitoring of drug responses. Soon, we expect that their importance and use in clinical diagnostics will expand rapidly so as to be of critical importance to public health in the coming years. This Special Issue would like to focus on recent research and development in the field of biosensors as analytical tools for clinical assays and medical diagnostics.

molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) --- surface imprinted polymers (SIPs) --- electrochemical biosensor --- biomarkers for infectious diseases --- choline biosensor --- amperometric detection --- overoxidized polypyrrole film --- phospholipase D assay --- phosphatidylcholine --- human epididymis protein 4 --- competitive electrochemical immunosensor --- WiFi portable potentiostat --- on-board calibration --- Internet of Things --- 1-methoxy-5-ethyl phenazinium ethyl sulfate --- disposable enzyme sensor --- lactate oxidase --- glucose dehydrogenase --- fructosyl peptide oxidase --- electrochemical enzyme sensor --- biomedical engineering --- surface plasmon resonance --- biosensors --- bio-functionalization optimization --- cost-effective biosensors --- lab-on-a-chip --- aptamer --- labeling --- enzyme --- zinc finger protein --- electrochemical sensor --- vascular endothelial growth factor --- breast cancer --- nanobiosensors --- biomarkers --- electrochemistry --- impedance --- immobilization --- nanomaterial --- nanoparticles (NPs) --- magnetic NPs --- self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) --- signal amplification --- optogenetics --- micro-electrode array --- in situ detection --- electrophysiology --- neural circuit recognition --- biosensor --- carbon dots --- norepinephrine --- tyrosinase --- voltammetry --- folic acid --- real samples --- analytical methods --- electrochemical tools --- choline analysis --- phosphocholine analysis --- choline oxidase --- alkaline phosphatase --- enzyme immobilization --- overoxidized polypyrrole --- electropolymerized non-conducting polymer --- dual electrode biosensor --- simultaneous determination --- flow injection analysis --- capacitive sensing --- alternating current electrokinetic effects --- miRNA sensing --- point-of-care diagnostics