Glia constitute roughly half of the cells of the central nervous system (CNS) but were long-considered to be static bystanders to its formation and function. Here we provide an overview of how the diverse and dynamic functions of glial cells orchestrate essentially all aspects of nervous system formation and function. Radial glia, astrocytes, oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, oligodendrocytes, and microglia each influence nervous system development, from neuronal birth, migration, axon specification, and growth through circuit assembly and synaptogenesis. As neural circuits mature, distinct glia fulfill key roles in synaptic communication, plasticity, homeostasis, and network-level activity through dynamic monitoring and alteration of CNS structure and function. Continued elucidation of glial cell biology, and the dynamic interactions of neurons and glia, will enrich our understanding of nervous system formation, health, and function.

中文翻译：

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神经胶质细胞是中枢神经系统形成和功能的建筑师


神经胶质细胞约占中枢神经系统（CNS）细胞的一半，但长期以来被认为是其形成和功能的静态旁观者。在这里，我们概述了神经胶质细胞的多样化和动态功能如何协调神经系统形成和功能的各个方面。放射状胶质细胞、星形胶质细胞、少突胶质祖细胞、少突胶质细胞和小胶质细胞各自影响神经系统的发育，从神经元的诞生、迁移、轴突规范和生长到电路组装和突触发生。随着神经回路的成熟，不同的神经胶质细胞通过动态监测和改变中枢神经系统结构和功能，在突触通讯、可塑性、稳态和网络水平活动中发挥关键作用。继续阐明神经胶质细胞生物学以及神经元和神经胶质细胞的动态相互作用，将丰富我们对神经系统形成、健康和功能的理解。