New technologies to unveil the role of brain glial cells

Abstract

Brain function relies on complex interactions between neurons and different types of glial cells, such as astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes. The relatively young field of "gliobiology" is thriving. Thanks to various technical innovations, it is now possible to address challenging biological questions on glial cells and unravel their multiple roles in brain function and dysfunction. We present several cutting-edge experimental approaches that are being used to understand the importance of glial cells in the central nervous system. We also illustrate how these techniques and findings on glial cells can then be translated to the clinics, to provide new biomarkers, non-invasive brain imaging approaches and hopefully in the near future, alternative therapeutic strategies.