The Role of Glia in Shaping and Maintaining Neural Organization and Patterning

It becomes evident that while glial cells have historically been sidelined in studies of neural architecture, their fundamental role is increasingly recognized. Emerging studies underscore that glia are pivotal for regulating neuron numbers, configurations, and placements across various nervous system landscapes—from cerebral circuits to peripheral entities like the retina. The recent advances demonstrate that these cells are far from passive supporters; they dynamically orchestrate neural patterning and structural identity, crucial for both normal and pathological states.

This Research Topic aims to elucidate further how glial cells impact neural development, maintenance, and functionality. With a focus on dissecting the precise roles of glial subtypes and their distinct morphologies, this project seeks to unpack the complex glial contributions to neural circuitry in health and disease. By spotlighting the array of glial functionalities—from their early developmental roles to their involvement in disease manifestation—the aim is to foster a deeper understanding of the neural organizational principles and address significant gaps in glial biology.

To gather further insights in regions spanning the retina to various brain domains, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Variations in glial subtype emergence across different neural regions
o Developmental patterns of specific glial morphologies within the nervous system
o Roles of glial shape, location, and arrangement in neural development and maintenance
o Correlations between abnormal glial structures and neurological diseases
o Glial interactions with neurons in metabolic, homeostatic, and electrical contexts
o Glial interactions with the immune system in normal and pathological states of the nervous system

Through this dialogue, we intend to highlight innovative findings and draw novel connections within the rich tapestry of neuroglial science, providing a platform for advancing our understanding of the nervous system's intricate organization.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: glia, patterning, nerual organization, nervous system, neurons, glial cells, glial morphology

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.