Section “Genomics, genetics and systems biology of animals, genetic models of human pathologies”

The section is dedicated to the presentation and discussion of current advances in fundamental and applied neuroscience and physiological genetics of laboratory animals/humans obtained using methods and approaches of genomics, genetics, and systems biology.

Within the first thematic area (laboratory animals as genetic models of human pathologies), the following issues will be considered:

• development of genetic models of human diseases using selective breeding and genome editing;
• functional systems of laboratory animals as genetic models of human pathologies: nervous, endocrine, immune, cardiovascular and lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and musculoskeletal systems;
• taxonomic diversity of experimental models of human pathologies;
• technologies for maintaining genetic collections of laboratory animals;
• high-throughput/high-technology phenotyping;
• epigenetic effects of in vitro fertilization;
• genomic and reproductive technologies in the breeding of farm animals.

The second thematic area (neurogenomics/neurogenetics of behavior and physiological functions) will address the following topics:

• forward and reverse genetics in deciphering behavioral and physiological mechanisms;
• genetic and epigenetic factors underlying individual variations in connectomes at different levels (neuroconnectome, extracellular matrix, blood–brain barrier, glymphatic system, interstitial channels);
• neuroimmunogenetics; genetics and epigenetics of behavior; genetics of protective functions (neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, cytokines, etc.);
• neuronal plasticity, glia, learning and memory, synaptogenesis;
• in vivo and in vitro neuroimaging;
• electrophysiological approaches to brain research; neural networks;
• genetic and epigenetic diversity in pharmacological brain research; big data and personality;
• bioinformatic approaches in neurogenetics.

Integrative studies combining experimental and computational/information approaches to solving problems in genomics, genetics, and systems biology of animals and humans are particularly welcome.