Cellular conductors: glial cells as guideposts during neural circuit development

Abstract

Glial cells rise to the forefront as key regulators that direct how neurons connect to one another when nervous system is built. A new article highlights the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which glia guide the exquisite architecture of the mammalian cerebellum.

Figure 1. The Bergmann Glia Fibers Orchestrate the Precise Innervation of Stellate Axons to the Purkinje Dendrites

Purkinje neurons (yellow) receive GABAergic inputs from stellate interneurons (blue) exclusively at the dendrites. This precision at the level of partner selection and subcellular localization of synapses is critical for the proper functioning of these cerebellar GABAergic circuits. How is this precision directed during development? In this issue of PLoS Biology, Ango et al. report that Bergmann glia (red) are the central orchestrators in the assembly of this circuit. Bergmann glia act as guideposts, directing the stellate interneuron process to their Purkinje neuron targets and coordinating the development of this precisely wired circuit.