Beyond Bystanders: The Emerging Roles of Glia in Brain Health and Disease
A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409). This special issue belongs to the section "Cells of the Nervous System".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 October 2025 | Viewed by 89
Special Issue Editor
Interests: neuroimmune interactions; brain microglia; neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration; glial cell biology; glial metabolism
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Glial cells, once considered mere support structures for neurons, are now recognized as essential players in brain function, development, and pathology. Recent research has revealed that these diverse cell types—including astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and NG2 cells—actively participate in synaptic transmission, neural circuit formation, sleep regulation, modulation of brain metabolism, and neuroinflammatory processes. Astrocytes regulate neurotransmitter uptake and release neuroactive substances, while microglia constantly survey the brain microenvironment, responding rapidly to injury or infection. Oligodendrocytes provide critical myelin for axonal insulation and metabolic support, with disruptions linked to multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating disorders.
Beyond these established functions, emerging research highlights glial involvement in systemic conditions previously considered separate from neurobiology. Glial cells play crucial roles in sleep regulation through adenosine signaling and cytokine production that influence sleep–wake cycles and sleep architecture. In hypertension, astrocytes contribute to blood pressure regulation via neurovascular coupling mechanisms and renin–angiotensin system modulation. Glial cells are increasingly implicated in obesity and metabolic disorders through hypothalamic inflammation and central regulation of energy homeostasis. They also influence pain perception and chronic pain development through the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and alterations in synaptic transmission.
Emerging evidence indicates that glial dysfunction contributes significantly to neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric disorders, and traumatic brain injuries. Understanding these complex glial-neuron interactions offers promising new therapeutic targets that move beyond traditional neuron-centric approaches. This Special Issue explores cutting-edge research on glial biology and its implications for treating brain disorders, highlighting how these once-overlooked cells are revolutionizing our understanding of brain health and disease.
Dr. Ruqayya Afridi
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- astrocytes
- microglia
- oligodendrocytes
- neuroinflammation
- neuroimmunology
- synaptic plasticity
- blood–brain barrier
- neuropsychiatric disorders
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