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Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.

Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue

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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...

Glial Cells

Glial Cells

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 3, 2026

Inducing Plasticity of Astrocytic Receptors by Manipulation of Neuronal Firing Rates

Inducing Plasticity of Astrocytic Receptors by Manipulation of Neuronal Firing Rates

Published on: March 20, 2014

Astrocyte-neuron interplay in maladaptive plasticity.

Michele Papa¹, Ciro De Luca², Federica Petta²

¹Laboratory of Neuronal Networks, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Second University of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy; SYSBIO, Centre of Systems Biology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy.

Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews

|February 11, 2014

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Glial cells significantly influence brain function and neuronal communication. Research suggests glia play a key role in neurodegenerative diseases, offering potential therapeutic targets to prevent neuronal death.

Keywords:

Behavioral disorders Neuro-glial network Neurodegenerative disorders Neuroinflammatory disorders Neurotrophin activity Reactive gliosis Synaptic homeostasis Tripartite synapse

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Last Updated: May 3, 2026

Inducing Plasticity of Astrocytic Receptors by Manipulation of Neuronal Firing Rates

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Published on: March 20, 2014

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Published on: March 31, 2022

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Synaptic Microcircuit Modeling with 3D Cocultures of Astrocytes and Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Published on: August 16, 2018

Area of Science:

Neurobiology
Cellular Neuroscience

Background:

Glial cells are crucial for brain development and function.
Traditionally overlooked, glia significantly impact neuronal communication via gliotransmitters.
Pathological conditions like neurodegenerative diseases involve glia early in damage progression.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the role of glial cells in both healthy and diseased nervous systems.
To explore the mechanisms of maladaptive plasticity involving glia.
To identify glial cells as potential therapeutic targets for preventing neuronal death.

Main Methods:

Review of recent neurobiological research.
Analysis of experimental models in neurodegenerative diseases and nervous system injury.
Examination of the neuro-glial network in health and disease.

Main Results:

Glia actively modulate neuronal communication through gliotransmitters.
Glial cells are implicated as the initial site of damage in neurodegeneration.
A temporal gap exists between initial neuro-glial changes and clinical onset, characterized by maladaptive plasticity.

Conclusions:

Glial cells are fundamental to brain health and disease.
Maladaptive plasticity in the neuro-glial network precedes neuronal death.
Targeting glial cells offers a promising strategy to prevent irreversible neuronal damage.