Glial Cells in Aging Neuroscience
A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409). This special issue belongs to the section "Cellular Aging".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 November 2025 | Viewed by 2435
Special Issue Editor
Interests: microglia; RhoGTPases; synaptic plasticity; neurodegeneration; cytoskeleton; redox balance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
We are excited to announce a forthcoming Special Issue of Cells titled "Glial Cells in Aging Neuroscience". As the nervous system ages, glial cells—comprising astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells—play crucial roles in maintaining homeostasis, protecting neurons, and modulating neuroinflammation. Understanding the dynamic changes in glial cell function and interactions during aging is essential in deciphering the underlying mechanisms of age-related neurological diseases and in developing therapeutic strategies.
Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells, maintain the blood–brain barrier, regulate blood flow, and provide metabolic support to neurons. Due to aging, astrocytes undergo morphological and functional changes that can influence neuroinflammation and neuronal health. Oligodendrocytes are responsible for the formation and maintenance of myelin sheaths, which insulate axons and ensure efficient neural transmission. An age-related decline in oligodendrocyte function can lead to demyelination and cognitive impairments. Microglia are the resident immune cells in the central nervous system and are involved in monitoring and responding to injury and disease. With aging, microglia exhibit altered activation states that can contribute to chronic inflammation and neurodegeneration. Ependymal cells line the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord, playing a role in cerebrospinal fluid production and circulation. Aging can affect ependymal cell function, impacting neurogenesis and brain homeostasis.
A critical aspect of aging neuroscience is the intricate crosstalk between different glial cell types. Glial–glial interactions are essential in maintaining brain homeostasis and responding to pathological conditions. For instance, astrocytes and microglia interact to modulate inflammatory responses, while oligodendrocytes and astrocytes collaborate to ensure effective myelination. These interactions become increasingly complex and are often dysregulated with age, contributing to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying glial–glial crosstalk and how aging affects these processes is vital in identifying potential therapeutic targets.
This Special Issue aims to collect cutting-edge research on the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which aging impacts glial cells, their interactions with neurons, and their roles in neurodegenerative diseases. We invite researchers to submit original research articles and reviews that explore these topics using advanced methodologies and innovative approaches.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Glial cell senescence and dysfunction;
- Neuroinflammation and aging;
- Glial-neuronal interactions in aging;
- Glial–glial crosstalk in aging;
- Molecular pathways and signaling in aged glial cells;
- Therapeutic strategies targeting glial cells in age-related diseases.
We believe that this Special Issue will provide a comprehensive overview of current advancements and stimulate further research in the field of glial cell biology in the neuroscience of aging. We look forward to reading your contributions.
Dr. Renato Socodato
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- glial cells
- aging
- neuroinflammation
- neurodegeneration
- glial–neuronal interactions
- glial–glial crosstalk
- astrocytes
- oligodendrocytes
- microglia
- ependymal cells
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