Over the next few decades, the study of neurogenetic disorders will continue to expand our knowledge of the development and function of the nervous system. The greatest challenges in the field of neurogenetic disorders will not be in the identification of disease-associated genes, but will rather be in defining the molecular mechanisms by which the genetic mutations confer disease risk and phenotype. Neural plasticity is a dynamic nervous system process that orchestrates structural and functional alterations in response to experience. The study of neural plasticity provides a basic and powerful approach for unraveling the complexities of the nervous system. Investigation of plastic changes in neurogenetic disorders will shed light on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern the formation and function of the nervous system. It may also lead to the discovery of potential therapeutic targets for pathological conditions, such as mental retardation, neurodegeneration, epilepsy, autism, and other neurological disorders.

This special issue will focus on the most recent developments and ideas in the study of neural plasticity in neurogenetic disorders, with a tentative emphasis on neurodevelopmental disorders, such as fragile X syndrome and Rett syndrome. We invite investigators to contribute original articles, as well as review articles, that will showcase current efforts in the field of neurogenetic disorders. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Structural and functional neural plasticity in patients and animal models of neurogenetic disorders
• Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying plastic changes in neurogenetic disorders
• Neural and behavioral responses to potential therapeutic strategies involving neural plasticity for neurogenetic disorders
• Genetic manipulation of neural plasticity in animal models and its translational relevance to human neurogenetic disorders
• Basic and preclinical studies aimed at understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying plastic alterations in nervous system disorders

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/np/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable: