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Stores, Channels, Glue, and Trees: Active Glial and Active Dendritic Physiology
Sufyan Ashhad1, Rishikesh Narayanan2
1Department of Neurobiology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
Molecular Neurobiology
|July 18, 2018
Summary
Glial cells and neuronal dendrites are active participants in brain information processing, not passive support cells. Future research should explore their crucial interactions and roles in brain physiology and disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Physiology
Background:
- Historically, glial cells and neuronal dendrites were viewed as passive structures.
- Recent research reveals their active roles in central nervous system information processing.
- Key discoveries include active conductances in dendrites and calcium signaling in glial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the parallel literature on active dendrites and active glial physiology.
- To highlight the significant, yet understudied, interactions between these two cell types.
- To advocate for future research investigating their combined roles in brain function and dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of parallel research on active dendrites and glial cells.
- Synthesis of findings on calcium wave propagation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) roles.
- Identification of knowledge gaps regarding inter-structure communication.
Main Results:
- Both dendrites and glial cells exhibit active physiological properties, including calcium signaling.
- Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium stores are crucial for calcium wave propagation in both structures.
- Despite known interconnections, direct studies on glial-neuronal dendritic interactions are scarce.
Conclusions:
- Glial cells and neuronal dendrites are dynamically involved in brain information processing.
- Their interactions, mediated by mechanisms including ER calcium signaling, are critical.
- Further investigation into these interactions is essential for understanding brain physiology and pathophysiology.
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