The brain is one of the most complex and vital organs of the human body, and its proper development and aging lay the foundation for cognition, behavior, emotion, and identity. Understanding neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders represents a critical frontier in modern science and medicine, offering opportunities for earlier diagnosis and intervention. This special issue explores the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms driving neuronal development in the brain, spinal cord, and inner ear, as well as processes such as synaptic plasticity and astrocyte maturation. These studies examine how somatic variants contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, intellectual disability, and epilepsy. Meanwhile, it highlights advances in deciphering the genetic architecture, generating animal models, and developing therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinocerebellar ataxia, and primary familial brain calcification. Together, these contributions not only advance our mechanistic understanding but also pave the way toward innovative therapeutic approaches, underscoring the pivotal role of this field in decoding the intricate tapestry of brain health and disease.

Edited by

Dr. Qing-Feng Wu - Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China

Dr. Wan-Jin Chen - Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China

Dr. Miao He - Fudan University, Shanghai, China

Dr. Chen Ming - University of Macau, Macau, China

Pages 1155-1304 (October 2025)