2023
Impact Factor
7.0
Impact Factor
7.0
Special Issue Title: New Technologies and Advances in Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Deadline: May 31, 2025
Aging and neurodegenerative diseases are among the most significant healthcare challenges of the 21st century, affecting millions worldwide and placing substantial strain on healthcare systems. As global populations age, the prevalence of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders continues to increase, creating an urgent need for innovative approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This special issue, New Technologies and Advances in Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, aims to showcase groundbreaking advancements that are transforming our understanding and management of these complex conditions.
Through this collection, we aim to gather research on transformative technologies that have the potential to reshape the landscape of neurodegenerative disease treatment and improve the quality of life for aging populations. We are particularly interested in the following areas, though submissions are not limited to these topics: applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI), wearable technology and digital health platforms, the microbiota-gut-brain axis, and innovative intervention therapies targeting mitochondrial function, neuroinflammation, and neuroimmunology.
The editors welcome submissions of Original Research, Reviews, Mini-reviews, Opinion, and Perspective related to this topic. We look forward to your contributions that provide new insights and foster further exploration in this critical area of study.
Guest Editor
Huanxing Su, PhD, Professor
Affiliation: Institute of Chinese Medical Science, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
Email: huanxingsu@um.edu.mo
Evandro Fei Fang, PhD, Professor
B103.081 (Building B1, 3rd floor, room 081) Akershus University Hospital, 1478 L?renskog, Emails: evandrofeifang@yahoo.com; e.f.fang@medisin.uio.no
Yiying Zhang, MD, PhD
Assistant
Professor of Anesthesia
Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine
Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School
Email: yzhang37@mgh.harvard.edu
Special Issue: “Immunity and Aging: Mechanisms, Disease Links, and Intervention Strategies”
Deadline: December 15, 2025
Aging profoundly alters the immune system through immunosenescence and inflammaging, increasing vulnerability to infections, cancer, and chronic diseases. These immune changes are key drivers of age-related conditions such as neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. This Special Issue invites cutting-edge research on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of immune aging, its role in disease, and emerging therapies targeting immune dysfunction in the elderly.
Scope and Topics of Interest:
We invite original research articles, reviews, and
perspectives on topics including (but not limited to):
1. Mechanisms of immunosenescence and inflammaging
2. Immune dysregulation in age-related diseases
3. Biomarkers of immune aging
4. Microbiome–immune–aging interactions
5. Vaccine responsiveness in older adults
6. Interventions targeting immune aging
7. Systems biology and AI-based approaches to
studying immune aging
Guest Editors:
Song G. Zheng MD, PhD
Chair Professor of Medicine
Dean, School of Cell and Gene Therapy
Director, Songjiang Laboratory, State Key Lab of Immunotherapy
Shanghai Jiaotong University, China
Email: Song.Zheng@shsmu.edu.cn
Special Issue: New highlights on contributions of glial cells in aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Deadline: October 1, 2025
Reactive gliosis, microglial activation, and altered oligodendrocyte differentiation/maturation are both a physiological response to insults, as well as contributors to age-related cognitive dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases. Investigation of glial cell (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, etc.) function and transformation in brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases is a rapidly expanding field. Recent insights on glial communication and contributors, such as astrocyte reactivity, provide a strong basis to explore novel mechanisms driving neuronal and cognitive phenotypes. In addition, the advancement of new research tools, many with individual cell resolution, made important contributions to our improved understanding about glial biology in the brain. This special issue calls for submissions that highlight new findings related to changes of glial cellular metabolisms, transcriptomes, and functions in aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
We invite integrative reviews, commentaries, and perspectives that include:
· Glial-structure and -omics contributions
· Heterogeneity of glial populations, spatial and temporal contributions
· Energy metabolism (glucose, fatty acid, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, etc.)
· Regulation of cellular uptake (neurotransmitters, glucose, lactate, APP/Aβ)
· Cell-cell interactions (astrocytes, endothelial cells, microglia, neurons, oligodendrocytes, etc.)
· Astrocytes at the BBB
· Sex-dependent activation of glial cells
· Astrocytic control of neuronal activity: astro-neuro interaction
· Senescence and neuroinflammatory response
Guest-editors
Dr. Sreemathi Logan, PhD, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, Oklahoma, USA. Email: Sreemathi-Logan@ouhsc.edu
Dr. Maite Solas, PhD, The University of Navarra. Pamplona, Spain. Email: msolaszu@unav.es
Dr. Dandan Sun, MD/PhD, the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Email: sund@upmc.edu
Special Issue: Brain Clearance Dysfunction in Aging-Related Diseases: Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Targets
Deadline: February 1, 2026
The glymphatic system and meningeal lymphatic vessels play a critical role in maintaining brain homeostasis by clearing metabolic waste, regulating fluid dynamics, and modulating neuroimmune interactions. Emerging evidence indicates that dysfunction of these clearance pathways significantly contributes to the development and progression of aging-related diseases, including neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular disorders.
This special issue welcomes original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and perspectives on topics including, but not limited to:
1) The contribution of glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic dysfunction to the pathogenesis of aging-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and vascular dementia.
2) Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic dysfunction in aging-related diseases.
3) Advances in imaging modalities and biomarkers for assessing glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic function.
4) Identification of novel therapeutic targets and the development of strategies aimed at restoring or enhancing brain clearance functions to prevent or mitigate disease progression.
5) The interplay between vascular pathology, immune dysregulation, and glymphatic/lymphatic impairment in aging-related neurological disorders.
6) Emerging therapeutic approaches targeting brain clearance pathways for the treatment or prevention of aging-related diseases.
By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across neuroscience, immunology, vascular biology, and aging research, this special issue aims to advance our understanding of brain clearance dysfunction and to accelerate the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for aging-related neurological diseases.
Qin Hu, MD/PhD, Professor
Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai,
China
Email: huqinle20010709@126.com
Minghuan Wang, MD/PhD, Professor
Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and
Technology, Wuhan, China
Email: mhwang@tjh.tjmu.edu.cn
Changping Zhou, PhD, Professor
Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Blood Transfusion,
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences / Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu,
China
Email: championzhou@pumc.edu.cn
Special Issue: Brain-Peripheral Organ Crosstalk in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Pathways, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Opportunities.
Deadline: February 1, 2026
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are leading causes of disability and mortality in aging populations, yet effective therapies remain elusive. In the last few years, research on neurodegenerative, neuroimmunological, and neuroinflammmatory mechanisms of disease has examined more than just mechanisms within the brain; it has broadened to include the interactions between central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral organs (gut, liver, immune system, skeletal muscle) as important determinants of disease progression. It has become clear these interactions in the brain and peripheral organs of the body can take place through processes discussed previously, from neurotransmission that includes the gut-brain axis, to immune signaling, metabolism and that all of these are impacted by aging, which will provide new targets for therapy. Research pathways with natural products and nutraceuticals, like curcumin or microbial metabolites, will continue to gain traction.
Over the past decade, research has increasingly acknowledged brain-peripheral organ crosstalk as an important contributor to neurodegeneration. Additionally, peripheral immune dysregulation in inflammatory responses (specifically cytokine storms) and T-cell senescence have been demonstrated to accelerate neuronal loss in neurodegeneration such as Parkinson's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Furthermore, there are emerging studies showing age-related deficits in metabolic crosstalk such as liver-brain connections that contribute to amyloid clearance which ultimately is a risk factor for the progression of disease. Natural compounds i.e. resveratrol and omega-3 fatty acids, have shown promise in ameliorating these dysregulated pathways as a therapeutic intervention. There are, however, distinct gaps that still exist. Very few studies have explored how age-related alterations in peripheral organs like skeletal muscle or adipose tissue can modulate CNS aging processes. And while there is an emerging landscape of natural compounds, even in human studies their impact has not been consistently translated to the clinical population in detailed analyses, requiring a stronger emphasis on preclinical data and the need for rigorous translational studies. This Special Issue aims to address these gaps by encouraging research that maps multi-organ pathways, validates targets for therapeutic inhibitors, and connects preclinical with clinical findings.
The specific research areas that may be explored in this special issue will include but not limited are given below-
1) Importance of Gut-Brain Axis in context of Aging: The role of microbial metabolites and dysbiosis on neuroinflammation/neurodegeneration.
2) Immune- CNS Crosstalk: Importance of Age-related immune dysregulation (cytokines, T-cell senescence) affecting AD, PD, ALS.
3) Metabolic Interactions: Role of Liver or adipose tissue-brain signaling on amyloid, tau, or neuronal metabolism associated with aging.
4) Autophagy and Proteostasis: The decline in autophagy related to aging across multiple organs and when modulated by nutraceuticals
5) Vascular Effects: Blood-brain barrier dysfunction and age-related peripheral vascular manifestations in neurodegeneration
6) Therapeutic Approaches: Natural product-based interventions (curcumin, quercetin, omega-3s) to change crosstalk pathways
7) Experimental Models: invertebrate, rodents, or organoids to investigate age- and multi-organ interactions
8) Clinical and translational studies: Human studies, and/or preclinical trials studying potential interventions for aging-related neurodegeneration.
Guest Editors
Dr. Sandeep Kumar Singh
Affiliation: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Nagpur, India.
Email: sandeeps.bhu@gmail.com
Dr. George Perry,
University of Texas at San Antonio, USA
Email: george.perry@utsa.edu
Dr. Burkhard Poeggeler
Department of Physiology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Faculty of Biology Georg August University G?ttingen, G?ttingen and Goettingen Research Campus, D-38524 Sassenburg, Germany,
Email: bpoegge@gwdg.de
Special Issue: Unveiling the relation between cellular aging, epigenetics, and cancer
Deadline: 20 December, 2025
Cellular aging describes the process of deterioration and functional decline in cells as they age. Cellular aging refers to the overall process of aging at the cellular level, encompassing various molecular and physiological changes that occur in cells over time. Aging, a universal and inevitable process, has long been a subject of fascination and scientific inquiry. Emerging evidence suggests that the intricate relationship between aging, epigenetics, and cancer holds the key to unraveling the complexities of this natural phenomenon. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, have been recognized as crucial mediators in the aging process, influencing gene expression patterns and cellular function. As individuals age, the epigenome undergoes progressive changes, leading to a multitude of age-associated disorders, including cancer. Importantly, the epigenetic clock, a biological measure of age based on DNA methylation patterns, has emerged as a powerful tool in predicting disease prognosis and tracking the aging process. By understanding the dynamic nature of DNA methylation during aging, researchers have uncovered its potential as a “prophet” of age-related outcomes, including the risk of developing cancer. Notably, the development of epigenetic drugs that target specific pathways involved in age-related diseases, such as cancer, has sparked hope for novel anti-aging strategies.
This special issue invites the submission of Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Perspectives, and Original Articles that provide novel insights into the relationship between aging, epigenetics, and cancer.
Guest Editor:
Prof. Pawel Kordowitzki, Dipl. ECAR
University Professor
Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences
Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
Email: p.kordowitzki@umk.pl
Special Issue: Natural Biomaterials and Advanced Medical Devices in Age-Related Diseases
Deadline: April 1, 2025
Natural biomaterials and advanced medical devices play a crucial role in addressing age-related diseases within the field of biomedicine. The development and application of these materials offer expanded options and possibilities for the treatment of conditions associated with aging, including osteoporosis, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and others. Natural biomaterials, such as polyesters, proteins, and polysaccharides, are utilized to repair damaged tissues, promote cell regeneration, and develop biosensors for monitoring patients' physiological states, thereby potentially slowing the aging process. Advanced medical devices, such as nano-drug carriers, 3D printing scaffolds and microneedle, facilitate precise drug delivery and minimize side effects. The synergy between the biocompatibility of natural materials and the high efficiency and functionality of advanced materials significantly enhances the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases, consequently improving patients' quality of life. Therefore, understanding the pivotal role of natural biomaterials and novel medical devices in geriatric diseases is essential for developing effective treatments.
This special issue invites the submission of Review, Mini-Review and Opinion that provide novel insights into the use of natural biomaterials and innovative medical devices for the treatment of age-related diseases.
Guest Editor,
Dai-Xu Wei, Ph.D., Professor,
School of Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069, China
Email: daviddxwei@163.com
Quanbo Ji, Ph.D., M.D., Associate Professor,
Department of Orthopaedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital
Beijing, 100853, China
Email: quanbo301@163.com
Special Issue: Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Aging and Age-related Disorders
Deadline: July 1, 2025
Alterations in mitochondrial bioenergetics, biogenesis, mitophagy and oxidative stress originating from mitochondria are closely linked to aging and the development of age-related diseases. Age-related diseases are very complex process, and the various factors involved in its aetiology are not yet completely understood. The main theme of this Special Issue centers on exploring mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and the development of age-related diseases and the signaling pathways associated with mitochondrial bioenergetics, biogenesis, mitophagy, and reactive oxygen species generation. Additionally, we aim to stimulate constructive discussions about mitochondria-targeted therapies under development and shed light on the latest advancements in understanding aging and disease mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapies related to neurodegeneration. We are inviting submissions of review, mini-review, commentary, or perspective articles, and novel communications that delve into the molecular mechanisms underlying the significance of mitochondria in neurodegenerative disease processes.
Guest Editor
Aida Adlimoghaddam PhD, CRQM
Assistant Professor
Neurology Department, SIU School of Medicine
Springfield, IL, USA
Email: aadlimoghaddam72@siumed.edu
Special Issue: Implications of chronic metabolic inflammation in aging and age-related diseases
Deadline: April 1, 2026
This special issue highlights the central role of chronic metabolic inflammation (meta-inflammation) in driving aging and age-related diseases. Chronic low-grade inflammation is increasingly recognized as a hallmark of aging, contributing to the onset and progression of conditions such as neurodegeneration, sarcopenia, metabolic syndrome, and renal dysfunction. The contributing articles explore diverse molecular and cellular mechanisms—including FoxO signaling, mitochondrial dysfunction, AGEs, epigenetic modifications, and immune dysregulation—underlying persistent inflammation across various tissues, including adipose tissue, muscle, brain, and kidney. In addition, the issue presents emerging therapeutic strategies targeting autophagy, cannabinoid receptors, and redox balance to mitigate meta-inflammation and support healthy aging. Collectively, these contributions offer an integrative perspective on the mechanistic links between metabolic inflammation and aging, and propose novel interventions to delay age-related decline.
This special issue welcomes original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and perspectives on topics including, but not limited to:
Guest Editor
Hae Young Chung, Ph.D., Professor,
Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
Email: hyjung@pusan.ac.kr
Isao Shimokawa, M.D., Ph. D.
CEO, SAGL, LLC, #402 Edel Oohori, 1-4-34 Kusagae, Chuo-Ku, Fukuoka, Japan
E-mail:ishimo1957@gmail.com
Jaewon Lee, Ph.D., Professor,
Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
Email: neuron@pusan.ac.kr
Special Issue: Targeting Aging Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Disease
Deadline: February 1, 2026
Aging is the strongest risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). While research has traditionally focused on disease-specific mechanisms, growing evidence highlights the role of fundamental aging processes—including mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired proteostasis, genomic instability, and chronic inflammation—in driving neurodegeneration. Understanding and targeting these shared aging pathways may provide transformative therapeutic opportunities across multiple disorders.
This Research Topic aims to explore how modulating core aging mechanisms can be harnessed as a therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases. Rather than focusing solely on disease-specific targets, we highlight approaches that intervene in common biological processes such as oxidative stress, DNA damage, cellular senescence, and altered proteostasis. Advances in transcriptomics, systems biology, and single-cell technologies are now enabling deeper insights into how aging accelerates neurodegenerative pathology and how these pathways may be manipulated to delay disease onset or progression.
We invite contributions that span basic, translational, and clinical research addressing aging-driven neurodegeneration. Topics may include metabolic and epigenetic regulators of aging, pharmacological or genetic interventions that modulate aging pathways, and innovative therapeutic strategies such as gene or RNA-based therapies. This collection will be of interest to researchers aiming to bridge the fields of aging and neurodegeneration and to those seeking broad-impact interventions that go beyond disease-specific frameworks.
We invite contributions that investigate fundamental aging mechanisms in
neurodegeneration and potential therapeutic interventions. Submissions may
include original research, reviews, mini reviews and methodological papers
covering topics such as:
· Mitochondrial dysfunction and bioenergetic decline in neurodegenerative diseases.
· Proteostasis, autophagy, and unfolded protein response as therapeutic targets.
· Epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of aging and neurodegeneration.
· DNA damage and repair mechanisms in aging-related neurodegeneration.
· RNA dysfunction and its impact on neuronal aging and disease progression.
· Inflammatory and immune system contributions to neurodegeneration.
· Pharmacological and genetic interventions targeting aging processes.
· Novel biomarker development for aging-related neurodegenerative disease progression.
· We encourage interdisciplinary studies that integrate systems biology, multi-omics approaches, and translational neuroscience to advance the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases through the lens of aging research.
Guest Editor(s)
Dr. Sina Shadfar
Research Fellow, MND research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney Australia. Email: sina.shadfar@mq.edu.au
Dr. Sayanthooran Saravanabavan
Research Fellow, MND research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie
University, Sydney Australia. Email: sayanthooran.saravanabavan@mq.edu.au
Submission Deadline: February 1, 2026
Aging is the single greatest risk factor for the development of most cancers. While this epidemiological link is well-established, the intricate molecular mechanisms underpinning this profound connection represent one of the most dynamic and critical frontiers in biomedical research. Both aging and cancer are complex processes driven by the accumulation of molecular and cellular damage, sharing fundamental hallmarks such as genomic instability, epigenetic alterations, mitochondrial dysfunction, chronic inflammation ('inflammaging'), and altered cellular communication.
Recent advances have illuminated shared molecular pathways, including the dual roles of cellular senescence (acting as a tumor suppressor early in life but promoting cancer and aging pathologies later), telomere attrition, stem cell exhaustion, and dysregulated nutrient sensing (e.g., mTOR, IGF-1, AMPK pathways). The tumor microenvironment (TME) in aged individuals exhibits distinct characteristics, heavily influenced by senescent cells and chronic inflammation, creating fertile ground for tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Conversely, cancer and its treatments can accelerate aging phenotypes in survivors.
Understanding these shared and divergent molecular mechanisms is not merely an academic pursuit; it holds immense translational promise. It offers novel strategies for cancer prevention in the aging population, the development of therapies targeting shared vulnerabilities (e.g., senolytics, mTOR inhibitors), mitigating cancer treatment-induced accelerated aging, and potentially extending healthspan. This Special Issue of Aging and Disease aims to consolidate cutting-edge research exploring the deep molecular connections between aging and cancer, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and accelerating progress in this pivotal field.
Scope and Topics:
This Special Issue invites original research articles, comprehensive reviews,
and insightful perspectives that elucidate the molecular bridges linking aging
and cancer. We seek contributions exploring, but not limited to, the following
themes:
Guest Editors:
William Cho*, Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong
Dechao Feng, Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China