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The Glial Perspective on Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
Gregory Artiushin1, Amita Sehgal1
1Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA;
Annual Review of Neuroscience
|February 21, 2020
Summary
Glial cells, far from passive, are crucial for nervous system function and behavior. Research highlights their essential roles in maintaining circadian rhythms and sleep patterns in adult animals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Behavioral Biology
Background:
- Neurons are traditionally viewed as the primary units of nervous system computation and behavior.
- Glial cells, previously considered passive support, exert significant influence on neuronal physiology.
- Glial functions include developmental guidance, synaptic plasticity, homeostasis, immune responses, and debris clearance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the critical and active role of glial cells in the nervous system.
- To discuss the involvement of glia in adult animal behavior.
- To highlight the importance of glia in regulating circadian rhythms and sleep.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on glial cell functions.
- Discussion of novel genetic tools for studying glia in vivo.
- Analysis of glial contributions to physiological processes.
Main Results:
- Glial cells are integral to neuronal function throughout an organism's life.
- Glial cells actively shape development, synaptic function, and maintain homeostasis.
- Emerging evidence implicates glia in complex behaviors such as circadian rhythms and sleep.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of the nervous system necessitates the inclusion of glial cells.
- Glial cells are essential for maintaining circadian rhythms and sleep.
- Future research utilizing advanced genetic tools will further elucidate glial roles in behavior.
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