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Related Concept Videos

Glial Cells01:04

Glial Cells

Overview
Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells01:31

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

Glia, or neuroglia, are vital support cells that assist neurons in their functions. The term "glia" originates from the Greek word for "glue," reflecting their role in holding the nervous system together. These cells can be categorized into six types: four in the central nervous system (CNS) and two in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells that interact...
Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue01:15

Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue

In the CNS, neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons from stem cells, is limited to the hippocampus in adults. In other regions of the brain and spinal cord, neurogenesis is almost non-existent due to inhibitory influences from neuroglia, especially oligodendrocytes, and the absence of growth-stimulating cues. The myelin produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS inhibits neuronal regeneration. Furthermore, astrocytes proliferate rapidly after neuronal damage, forming scar tissue that physically...
Neurulation01:30

Neurulation

Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the anterior...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Lineage Tracing and Clonal Analysis in Developing Cerebral Cortex Using Mosaic Analysis with Double Markers (MADM)
09:25

Lineage Tracing and Clonal Analysis in Developing Cerebral Cortex Using Mosaic Analysis with Double Markers (MADM)

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Radial glia: progenitor, pathway, and partner.

Mari Sild1, Edward S Ruthazer

  • 1Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

The Neuroscientist : a Review Journal Bringing Neurobiology, Neurology and Psychiatry
|May 12, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Radial glia (RG) are crucial for central nervous system (CNS) development, acting as more than just a scaffold. These cells are vital progenitors and regulators of neural growth and function.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Radial glia (RG) are a key glial cell type in the developing central nervous system (CNS).
  • Traditionally viewed as a transient scaffold for neuron migration, their role is now understood to be more complex.
  • RG possess a distinct morphology with a periventricular soma and a process extending to the pial surface.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diverse cell types of radial glia in the CNS.
  • To discuss the multifaceted functions of RG beyond their role as a migratory scaffold.
  • To highlight the critical activities of RG in CNS development and function.

Main Methods:

  • This is a review article, synthesizing existing research.
  • Literature review of studies on radial glia in CNS development and function.

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Derivation of Glial Restricted Precursors from E13 mice
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Time-Lapse Imaging of Migrating Neurons and Glial Progenitors in Embryonic Mouse Brain Slices
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Derivation of Glial Restricted Precursors from E13 mice
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Derivation of Glial Restricted Precursors from E13 mice

Published on: June 20, 2012

  • Analysis of morphological and functional data on various RG types.

    • Main Results:

    • Radial glia serve diverse functions including progenitor activity for neurons and glia (developmental and injury-induced).
    • RG actively direct axonal and dendritic outgrowth.
    • RG regulate synaptic development and function and engage in bidirectional signaling with neurons and other glia.

    Conclusions:

    • Radial glia are not merely a passive scaffold but actively participate in numerous critical processes in the CNS.
    • Understanding the diverse roles of RG is essential for comprehending CNS development, function, and repair.
    • Further research into RG diversity and signaling will illuminate neural development and disease mechanisms.