1
Return

Glia orchestrate neural circuit development

delete2026-07-08
delete0
PRE
AI
K
Kristina Sakers
P
Patrick W. Sheehan
W
Wendy Xin *
D
Dorothy P. Schafer *
Ç
Çağla Eroğlu *
DOI:10.1016/j.devcel.2026.06.008delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Over the past ∼25 years, our understanding of neural circuit development in the central nervous system has shifted. Once considered passive supporters, glial cells, namely, astrocytes, oligodendrocyte lineage cells, and microglia, are increasingly recognized as active regulators of developmental circuit formation and maturation. In this review, we synthesize evidence for the multifaceted functions by which glial cells instruct neuronal circuit establishment and maturation across developmental stages and in both vertebrate and invertebrate nervous systems. We describe the programs deployed to guide successive phases of synapse formation, refinement, plasticity, and stabilization in a circuit- and experience-dependent manner. We also highlight how an extensive glia-glia communication repertoire provides another critical layer of control over development. In summary, glia cooperatively shape circuit development by instructing, stabilizing, or eliminating specific wiring programs. Disruption of this coordinated logic, beyond dysfunction of any single glial or neuronal process, underlies vulnerability to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disease.
Keywords:
astrocyte
microglia
oligodendrocyte
synapse
critical period
plasticity
glia

Journal

Developmental Cell cover
Developmental Cell
IF:
8.7
Papers:
6.3K
Citations:
3.4W

Organization

D
Duke University Medical Center
Scholars:
1.0K
Papers: 414
Citations: 2
U
university of massachusetts chan medical school
Scholars:
265
Papers: 87
Citations: 0
U
university health network
Scholars:
2.3K
Papers: 802
Citations: 5
Cited Papers

Cited Papers

Citing Papers

Citing Papers