Glial Cross-Talk in Central Nervous System Health and Disease

Dear Colleagues,

In the last few years, interest in the study of glial cells (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, ependymal cells, and radial glia) has grown exponentially, revealing vital physiological functions such as the formation of the blood–brain barrier, regulation of blood flow and energy metabolism, myelinization, action potential conduction, modulation of synaptic transmission, and the provision of defense mechanisms. These functions are crucial for preserving central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis and depend on continuous communication between the different types of glial cells and glial–neuronal cells. Dysfunction of glial cells and interruption of this intricate communication disclose its role in the origin, modulation, and resolution of different CNS pathologies.

In neuropathology, distinct astrocyte and microglia phenotypes are associated with specific stages of disease, whereby massive astrogliosis and microgliosis contribute to excessive neuroinflammation and neurotoxic effects in the course of disease. Dysfunctions in oligodendrocytes, ependymal cells, and radial cells can lead to consequences such as the loss of myelin and neurodegeneration, disruption to the production or circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, and irregularities in neuronal migration during cerebral development. By controlling neuronal circuits associated with learning, memory, and emotion, dysfunctional glial cells may also play a role in the pathophysiology of psychiatric diseases such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

This Special Issue aims to bring together high-quality research and review articles that highlight the most recent knowledge of biomolecular mechanisms involved in glial cell communication. A better understanding of how these mechanisms preserve CNS homeostasis and contribute to the pathophysiology of CNS diseases will foster the identification of new cellular/molecular targets and treatment strategies.

Dr. Glória Queiroz
Dr. Clara Quintas
Guest Editors

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• glial physiology
• glial cross-talk in CNS homeostasis
• glial cross-talk in neuroinflammation
• glial cross-talk in CNS diseases