[HTML][HTML] The mystery and magic of glia: a perspective on their roles in health and disease
BA Barres - Neuron, 2008 - cell.com
BA Barres
Neuron, 2008•cell.comIn this perspective, I review recent evidence that glial cells are critical participants in every
major aspect of brain development, function, and disease. Far more active than once
thought, glial cells powerfully control synapse formation, function, and blood flow. They
secrete many substances whose roles are not understood, and they are central players in
CNS injury and disease. I argue that until the roles of nonneuronal cells are more fully
understood and considered, neurobiology as a whole will progress only slowly.
major aspect of brain development, function, and disease. Far more active than once
thought, glial cells powerfully control synapse formation, function, and blood flow. They
secrete many substances whose roles are not understood, and they are central players in
CNS injury and disease. I argue that until the roles of nonneuronal cells are more fully
understood and considered, neurobiology as a whole will progress only slowly.
In this perspective, I review recent evidence that glial cells are critical participants in every major aspect of brain development, function, and disease. Far more active than once thought, glial cells powerfully control synapse formation, function, and blood flow. They secrete many substances whose roles are not understood, and they are central players in CNS injury and disease. I argue that until the roles of nonneuronal cells are more fully understood and considered, neurobiology as a whole will progress only slowly.
cell.com