Glial functions in the CNS

Glial cell functions are diverse and complex, ranging from their role in CNS development, shaping of neuronal circuits, and memory formation to being putative key players in neurodegenerative diseases. Methodological and conceptual advances over the recent years have made it evident that glial cells are not mere bystanders in brain function and dysfunction, but rather, glial-glial and glial-neuron interplay is crucial for proper brain function. Advancements in knowledge regarding glial cell functions present an opportunity to highlight and discuss in-depth the latest conceptual frameworks regarding glial structure-function relationships with respect to glia-glia and neuron-glia interactions.

With this collection on “Glial functions in the CNS” we promote an exciting opportunity to highlight research findings about glial cell function and dysfunction across all major glial cell types including microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocyte lineage cells and tanycytes, as well as glial interactions with vascular elements. We invite articles presenting novel data that support new roles or concepts focused on organizational principles, glia-glia interactions, and how cellular glial structure and (dys)function shape the glial-neuron relationship.

Articles can be of all types ranging from research-papers, short reports, mini-reviews, to full length reviews. We invite manuscripts that focus on the cellular structure and function of glial cells, including their interactions with neurons, and how glial cells impact and modulate the structure and function of synaptic brain circuits.