GABAergic interneurons powerfully control the function and plasticity of cortical networks. In addition, they strongly regulate cortical development by modulating several processes such as neural proliferation, migration, differentiation, and connectivity. Aberrant development of GABAergic circuits has been implicated in various neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, autisms, epilepsy, and Tourette's syndrome. How alterations in GABAergic circuit development contribute to specific pathologies is largely unknown.

Furthermore, GABA mimetic drugs, such as benzodiazepines and certain antiepileptic drugs, are widely used in clinical practice; however, whether and to what extent these drugs cause deleterious effect on brain development is still not clear.

Our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development and plasticity of GABAergic interneurons will likely indicate which cellular substrates might be affected in neurodevelopmental disorders; in return, identifying the genetics variants implicated in these disorders may generate major insights into the normal and pathological function of GABAergic circuits.

We invite investigators to contribute original research articles as well as review articles that seek to stimulate the continuing efforts to understand the role of GABA signaling during development and plasticity of neural circuits, in normal and pathological conditions. We are interested in articles that explore GABAergic function in humans as well as in animal models of diseases. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• New experimental approaches to study GABAergic circuit development and function
• Molecular mechanisms underlying GABAergic circuit development and plasticity
• Genetic and epigenetic influence on GABAergic circuit assembly
• Role of GABA signaling in brain development
• Alterations of GABAergic signaling in epilepsy
• Alterations of GABAergic circuits in autistic spectrum disorders
• Alterations of GABAergic signaling in psychiatric disorders
• Effect of GABA modulating drugs on brain development and function

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