Expanding the Glial Frontiers: Development, Function and Pathophysiology

Recent advances in glial cell biology have unveiled their heterogeneity and crucial functions in modulating neural activity. Accumulating evidence indicates that astrocytes, for instance, display diverse characteristics based on regional specificity morphology, and transcriptional regulation. Given that neuronal identities are governed by transcription factor codes, it is plausible that similar regulatory mechanisms may operate glial cell development; however, these mechanisms remain poorly understood. Additionally, microglia are now known to originate, at least in part, from macrophages, highlighting the need to better understand the developmental origins of glial cells and the factors controlling their functions. It is equally critical to characterize glial responses in pathophysiological context. For example, astrocyte reactivity and microglial activation are hallmarks of brain pathology, with processes such as myeline phagocytosis contributing to white matter injury. However, the distinct responses of heterogenous glial populations in these disease contexts are not yet fully understood as well.

This Research Topic aims to advance our understanding of glial cell diversity and its roles in tissue homeostasis, with an additional focus on glial contributions to brain injuries, including mental disorders such as depression. We encourage research addressing glial function at both the cellular and systemic levels, encompassing local circuit dynamics and organismal responses. By examining glial heterogeneity and function in health and disease in the CNS and the PNS, this collection seeks to drive forward insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying glial contributions to brain structure and function.

Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience welcomes submissions that address key aspects of glial development, function and pathophysiology both in the CNS and the PNS. We aim to inspire and enrich discussions within the glial research community globally, promoting the dissemination of cutting-edge knowledge. We invite contributions in the form or Original Research, Reviews, and Imaging Techniques that expand our understanding of glial biology.

The topics of interest are:

• Glial and radial glia development - with an emphasis on molecular and cellular mechanisms
• Role of glia and radial glia-like cells in neurogenesis
• Glial involvement in animal behaviors, including psychological disorders
• Glial vascular coupling in tissue adaptation and repair
• Glial function in neural circuit formation
• Therapeutic potential of glial cells both in the CNS and the PNS
• Interspecies differences and evolutionary perspectives on Glia