Glial Diversity and Evolution: Insights from Teleost Fish

Glial cells, once considered mere support for neurons, have emerged as key players in brain function across vertebrates. The historical study of glia dates to the 19th century with the identification of ependymal cells and astrocytes, followed by the discovery of oligodendrocytes and microglia. While neurocentric perspectives overlooked glial functions, recent research highlights their essential roles in neurodevelopment, synapse regulation, brain homeostasis, and neuroimmune responses. In teleost fish, a group comprising over 32,000 species, glial cells exhibit unique properties compared to their mammalian counterparts. Thus, the aim of this review is synthesizing the current literature on fish glial cells, emphasizing their evolutionary significance, diversity, and potential as models for understanding vertebrate neurobiology. Microglia originate from both yolk sac cells and hematopoietic stem cells, forming distinct populations with specialized functions in the adult brain. Neural stem cells, including radial glial cells (RGCs) and neuroepithelial cells, remain active throughout life, supporting continuous neuro- and gliogenesis, a phenomenon far more extensive than in mammals. Ependymocytes line brain ventricles and show structural variability, with some resembling quiescent progenitor cells. Astrocytes are largely absent in most fish species. However, zebrafish exhibit astrocyte-like glial cells which show some structural and functional features in common with mammalian astrocytes. Oligodendrocytes share conserved mechanisms with mammals in myelination and axon insulation.