Glial Cells in Homeostasis, Neurodevelopment and Repair, Volume II

Decades of research highlighted the strategical role of glial cells in brain homeostasis, development, and recovery from neural injury. Glial cells, including astrocytes, radial glia, and ependymal cells, are constantly subjected to osmotic microgradient challenges both during their own metabolism or that of neighbouring cells, as well as during cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, signaling and apoptosis. Notably, during brain development, glia cells modulate the local environment around neural stem cells and support neurogenesis.

Through their polarized processes, contacting synapses and fluid compartments, i.e. microvessels and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) interface, astrocytes tightly regulate the composition of the interstitium and maintain hydrosaline homeostasis of the brain. To accomplish this task, they use a pool of ion and water channels facing fluid-filled spaces including the gap junctions that enable cells to form an interconnected network where information is exchanged through calcium waves and signaling molecules. Recent studies have highlighted the therapeutic potential of astrocyte in Central Nervous System (CNS) repair through transplanting pro-regenerative astrocytes or their genetic reprogramming to neurons or oligodendrocytes.

The established concept of the neurovascular unit suggests that brain function requires crosstalk and homeostatic signaling between neurons, glial cells, and vascular compartments. Glial cells might be the crucial bridge of existing gap between development and physiology. A more holistic picture of the molecular events and functional dynamics in which glial cells are involved is essential for improving the current understanding of neurological disorders raised from dishomeostasis of the CNS, and devising successful therapeutic interventions.

Nowadays, emerging developments in neuronal stem cell biology represent an exciting interface between technology and biology.

The Special Issue will be focused on the field of neural differentiation and developmental neurobiology with a specific attention to glial cells. In this context, we welcome original research, review and mini-review articles employing morphological, biophysical, cellular, molecular, pharmacological, or physiological methods to investigate the fundamental mechanisms mediating proliferation, migration, differentiation, circuit formation, and neuron/glia interaction during both normal development and regeneration or disease. The use of biomaterials to support the differentiation of neural progenitors would be interesting in view of their use in transplantation and regenerative medicine.