Neuron-glia interactions are essential for brain function and play a key role in neurological diseases. Glial cells, including astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes, are not merely supportive elements but actively contribute to neuronal development. Specifically, glia guide neuronal differentiation, migration, and synapse formation during brain development. Astrocytes, in particular, regulate neurotransmitter levels and synaptic plasticity, directly influencing learning and memory. Additionally, glial cells are essential for maintaining neural homeostasis, supporting metabolic functions that are essential for neuronal health. However, these interactions can have both beneficial and harmful effects on neurons, especially in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. When neuron-glia communication is disrupted, it can bring significant challenges in the treatment of neurological disorders. Therefore, understanding these complex interactions is essential for developing effective therapeutic strategies.
Understanding the intricate interactions between glial cells and neurons is essential for uncovering the fundamental mechanisms that regulate brain function in both health and disease. This Research Topic will focus on the mechanisms underlying glia-neuron interactions, emphasizing their role in synaptic plasticity, brain homeostasis, and disease progression. Additionally, it will examine the regulatory pathways involved in neural cell communication, with a particular focus on developmental neurobiology. Contributions focusing on ion channels, gliotransmission, extracellular matrix dynamics, and metabolic crosstalk will offer valuable insights into how glial cells shape neuronal function.
Despite progress in glia-neuron research, many aspects of their role in synaptic regulation and metabolic support remain unclear, particularly in pathological conditions. Unraveling these complexities is crucial for developing targeted interventions to restore brain homeostasis and slow disease progression.
We welcome original research, reviews, and mini-reviews employing morphological, biophysical, cellular, molecular, pharmacological, or physiological approaches to study circuit formation, neuron-glia interactions, proliferation, migration, and differentiation in both physiological and pathological conditions. Studies on biomaterials to explore these interactions in neural and glial cells are particularly relevant, especially for applications in transplantation and regenerative medicine.
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