In addition to their contribution to neuronal homeostasis, the implication of central nervous system (CNS) non-neuronal cells in the building, regulation and maintenance of the neuronal network of the brain has been widely investigated in the recent years, involving all types of glial cells. They contribute during development to neuronal migration, axonal guidance, synaptic pruning and in the mature CNS, they are involved in synaptic modulation, adjustment of axonal conductance, among factors modulating the appropriate neuronal activity to the local circuitry and the connectivity within specific networks. Dysfunction of the cellular properties of glial cells contributes to pathologies impacting cognitive and sensorimotor functions. The regional heterogeneity among glial cells contributes also to specific properties of the neuronal networks in the various parts of the brain.
With this Research Topic, we intend to discuss the emerging aspect of heterogeneity among glial cells in different regions of the CNS, and its structural and functional impact on neurons. In particular, special emphasis will be put on the cross-talk between glia and neurons across development and aging, in physiological and pathological contexts.
For this purpose, we particularly welcome the submission of Original and Review articles focusing on, but not limited to:
• Glial heterogeneity in physiological states, as well as in pathological conditions including neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases;
• Regional differences and functional diversity in glia-neuron interactions;
• Structural characterization of glial heterogeneity across sex, age, and brain regions
• Perspective articles presenting specific viewpoints on cellular heterogeneity, and it relevance for the identification of precise drug targets in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
In addition to their contribution to neuronal homeostasis, the implication of central nervous system (CNS) non-neuronal cells in the building, regulation and maintenance of the neuronal network of the brain has been widely investigated in the recent years, involving all types of glial cells. They contribute during development to neuronal migration, axonal guidance, synaptic pruning and in the mature CNS, they are involved in synaptic modulation, adjustment of axonal conductance, among factors modulating the appropriate neuronal activity to the local circuitry and the connectivity within specific networks. Dysfunction of the cellular properties of glial cells contributes to pathologies impacting cognitive and sensorimotor functions. The regional heterogeneity among glial cells contributes also to specific properties of the neuronal networks in the various parts of the brain.
With this Research Topic, we intend to discuss the emerging aspect of heterogeneity among glial cells in different regions of the CNS, and its structural and functional impact on neurons. In particular, special emphasis will be put on the cross-talk between glia and neurons across development and aging, in physiological and pathological contexts.
For this purpose, we particularly welcome the submission of Original and Review articles focusing on, but not limited to:
• Glial heterogeneity in physiological states, as well as in pathological conditions including neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases;
• Regional differences and functional diversity in glia-neuron interactions;
• Structural characterization of glial heterogeneity across sex, age, and brain regions
• Perspective articles presenting specific viewpoints on cellular heterogeneity, and it relevance for the identification of precise drug targets in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.