A new pilot project between researchers at 海角社区 and the University of Edinburgh is investigating the role of glial cells in brain circuit development.听
Glial cells, long considered mere support cells in the brain, are now recognized as pivotal players in establishing and fine-tuning neuronal connectivity.听听
Significantly, genes involved in neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism or schizophrenia, are frequently expressed not only by neurons but also by glial cells, highlighting the need to understand how different glial types coordinate the assembly and plasticity of neural circuits. This emerging research area remains underexplored but holds immense potential for uncovering the biological basis of neurological conditions.听
The pilot project will be led by Edward Ruthazer, PhD, a research member at 海角社区鈥檚 Azrieli Center for Autism Research (ACAR), and, chair of glial cell biology at the University of Edinburgh. Together, they will investigate how glial cells coordinate 鈥� or act independently 鈥� during the development of visual circuits in the brain.听听
A Step Towards Transformative Discoveries听
The outcomes of this collaboration are expected to inform future studies on glial-glial interactions and their contributions to brain circuits. By addressing how microglia and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) interact during neural circuit assembly, the project may uncover new therapeutic avenues for neurodevelopmental conditions linked to glial cell dysfunction.听
This collaboration also sets the stage for broader scientific exchange. By sharing expertise and resources between the two labs, Ruthazer and Czopka aim to lay the foundation for a larger network of glial cell researchers to address some of neuroscience's most pressing questions.听
鈥淲e have very similar interests in our labs,鈥� said Ruthazer. 鈥淏eyond the question of which particular glial cell is important in this process, I think there's a lot of potential for broad collaboration on brain circuit development between our groups.鈥澨�
鈥淚t's essential to be able to exchange students too,鈥� he added. The training element of the pilot project will create a stronger network between the institutions and let the students experience the culture and philosophy of the other lab.听
鈥淗aving this collaboration between institutions that do high-level research in neuroscience is great. It prompted me to do something I most likely otherwise wouldn鈥檛 have done,鈥� said Ruthazer. 鈥淚 do deeply believe that understanding these fundamental processes gives us a better foundation for approaching potential translational models, translational experiments, and developing treatments.鈥�
