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Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms in Growth and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Genetics and Genomics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2025 | Viewed by 1835

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
Interests: genetics of mendelian disorders; molecular diagnostics of neurodevelopmental and growth disorders; pituitary hormone deficiency; kidney genetics diseases; hereditary cancer syndromes
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Large-scale genomic studies have significantly enhanced our understanding of the genetic landscape associated with various growth and skeletal disorders, as well as neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), intellectual disabilities, and epilepsy, particularly in pediatric populations. The elucidation of the role of pathogenic variants that disrupt normal brain development and the intricate network of genes regulating growth has opened new avenues for clinical application, particularly for molecular diagnosis and treatment in children. The identification of specific genetic variants allows for more targeted and personalized interventions. Additionally, epigenetic modifications are key regulators of a multitude of biological functions involved in both growth and neurodevelopment. The unique episignatures exhibited by certain genetic syndromes could help in diagnosing conditions that might be otherwise challenging.

In this Special Issue, we will publish research and perspectives covering the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involved in growth and neurodevelopmental diseases.

We kindly encourage colleagues that are involved in these fields to contribute high-quality review articles, research articles, and communications to this Special Issue. Potential topics include the following, among others:

  • Insights into the genetic alterations and molecular pathways involved in skeletal and growth disorders.
  • Identification of the genetic factors contributing to the onset and progression of neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Studies focusing on the functional implications of genetic variants associated with growth and neurodevelopmental disorders, including their pathogenic roles and therapeutic potential.
  • Investigations into the epigenetic landscapes of genetic syndromes, highlighting the role of DNA methylation, histone modification, and other epigenetic factors in disease manifestation and progression.

Dr. Mara Giordano
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • growth defects
  • intellectual disability
  • epilepsy
  • autism spectrum disorders
  • epigenetic variations
  • copy number variations
  • next generation sequencing

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

34 pages, 865 KiB  
Review
Macrocephaly and Finger Changes: A Narrative Review
by Cecilia Lazea, Romana Vulturar, Adina Chiș, Svetlana Encica, Melinda Horvat, Cristina Belizna and Laura-Otilia Damian
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5567; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105567 - 20 May 2024
Viewed by 1550
Abstract
Macrocephaly, characterized by an abnormally large head circumference, often co-occurs with distinctive finger changes, presenting a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. This review aims to provide a current synthetic overview of the main acquired and genetic etiologies associated with macrocephaly and finger changes. The [...] Read more.
Macrocephaly, characterized by an abnormally large head circumference, often co-occurs with distinctive finger changes, presenting a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. This review aims to provide a current synthetic overview of the main acquired and genetic etiologies associated with macrocephaly and finger changes. The genetic cause encompasses several categories of diseases, including bone marrow expansion disorders, skeletal dysplasias, ciliopathies, inherited metabolic diseases, RASopathies, and overgrowth syndromes. Furthermore, autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases are also explored for their potential involvement in macrocephaly and finger changes. The intricate genetic mechanisms involved in the formation of cranial bones and extremities are multifaceted. An excess in growth may stem from disruptions in the intricate interplays among the genetic, epigenetic, and hormonal factors that regulate human growth. Understanding the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms is important for elucidating the developmental pathways and biological processes that contribute to the observed clinical phenotypes. The review provides a practical approach to delineate causes of macrocephaly and finger changes, facilitate differential diagnosis and guide for the appropriate etiological framework. Early recognition contributes to timely intervention and improved outcomes for affected individuals. Full article
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