Neuroglia, which include microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, are fundamental brain cells that support and regulate neuronal function. These cells release signaling molecules, maintain ionic balance, modulate neuroinflammation, influence neural excitability, and shape the neural microenvironment. Neuroglia also recruits molecules or specialized cells from outside the nervous system and plays critical roles in the pathophysiology of brain diseases, such as through macrophage infiltration during central nervous system infection. Neuroglia contributes to the development of stroke, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurological disorders. Genetic mutations that result in neuroglial dysfunction are observed in patients with these conditions. Further research is required to clarify the role of neuroglia in neurological disease, and these cells may represent promising targets for precision therapies.
This Research Topic examines the genetic functions and mechanisms of neuroglia in neurological diseases. Genetic factors that regulate or influence neuroglial function are central to this theme. Mutations in these genes may alter neuronal functions or contribute to the mechanisms underlying neurological diseases. Biomarkers associated with neuroglial genetic mutations are under investigation as potential drug targets in clinical studies. Both preclinical and clinical research on neuroglia are essential for understanding disease mechanisms and identifying therapeutic opportunities.
Submissions must be original, utilize reliable data, and apply appropriate data analysis methods. Manuscripts should include a detailed research background, experimental methods, results analysis, and discussion, with emphasis on the clinical significance of findings and future research directions. Original research articles, reviews, data reports, hypothesis and theory articles, methods, and opinion pieces related to, but not limited to, the following sub-themes are welcome: • The mechanisms of genetic regulation of neuroglia (including microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, etc.) and their impact on neurological diseases. • Biomarkers of neuroglial genetic mutations in neurological diseases, and their potential application in clinical therapy. • Systematic reviews or commentaries on the roles of neuroglia in neurological diseases. • Analysis of genetic mutations associated with glial cell function and how these alter neuronal function, leading to neurological disease. • The specific pathophysiological roles of neuroglia in neurological diseases (e.g., stroke, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, etc.).
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Article types
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