Exploring Glial Dynamics in Stress-Related Psychiatric Disorders: Insights into Mechanisms and Interventions

Stress is a critical risk factor in the development of various psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, trauma-related, and depressive disorders. Traditionally, research has primarily focused on stress’s impact on neurons. Yet, an expanding body of evidence reveals that glial cells are essential to the normal functioning of the nervous system. As integral components of the tripartite synapse, glial cells not only process and modulate synaptic information but also engage in bidirectional communication with neurons. This evolving perspective suggests that glial alterations may play a substantial role in the pathophysiology of mental disorders. Therefore, understanding the effects of stress on glial cells—and how these changes contribute to pathological outcomes—is vital for advancing our comprehension of mental illness and for developing targeted treatments for stress-related mental disorders.



This Research Topic seeks to compile current research on glial alterations (both morphological and functional) induced by stress, examining how changes in glial morphology and function impact stress-related behaviors, as well as the mechanisms underlying these alterations. Furthermore, it will explore how glial alterations may serve as therapeutic targets and investigate the role of glial cells in both existing and novel treatments aimed at preventing or reversing the emotional effects of stress.



To gather further insights into the role of glial cells in stress-related emotional and behavioral consequences, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:



- Morphological changes in glial cells induced by stress

- Functional alterations in glial cells due to stress

- Behavioral outcomes linked to glial cell changes

- Mechanisms underlying glial cell alterations in response to stress

- Glial involvement in therapeutic interventions for stress-related disorders

- Comparative studies in animal models and human subjects

- Postmortem analyses of glial cells in patients with stress-related disorders

- Novel methodologies for assessing glial cell function and morphology in the context of stress

Article types and fees

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

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

Keywords: Astrocyte, Microglia, Oligodendrocyte, Stress, Emotions, Anxiety, Depression, Fear, Post traumatic stress disorder, Anxiety disorders, Brain, Animal models.

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.