Radial glia

Radial glia are a type of glial cell that are primarily present during the development of the nervous system. They are named for their distinctive radial morphology, with long processes spanning the thickness of the neural tube. Radial glia serve as both neuronal progenitors and as a scaffold upon which newborn neurons migrate.

Function

Radial glia are involved in the formation of the cerebral cortex and cerebellum. They serve as a scaffold for migrating neurons, guiding them to their final destinations. In addition to their role in migration, radial glia are also progenitor cells, capable of dividing to produce neurons and other types of glial cells.

Development

Radial glia originate from neuroepithelial cells, which are the first neural stem cells produced in the developing nervous system. As the neural tube forms, neuroepithelial cells differentiate into radial glia. The transformation from neuroepithelial cells to radial glia involves changes in cell morphology, gene expression, and function.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in radial glia can lead to a variety of neurological disorders. For example, mutations that affect the function of radial glia can cause lissencephaly, a condition characterized by a smooth brain surface and severe intellectual disability. Radial glia are also implicated in the development of certain types of brain tumors, including glioblastoma.

See also

• Neurogenesis
• Neural stem cell
• Neuroepithelial cell

References

Radial glia Resources
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