Astrocyte-microglia communication: influences of aging, sex, and health states in network physiology

The field of network physiology is increasingly focused on understanding how complex cell interactions within the central nervous system contribute to overall brain function. Gaining deeper insight into these dynamics is essential for understanding how disruptions in cell communication can result in significant neurological dysfunction. Astrocytes and microglia, once thought to play mainly supportive or immunological roles, are now recognized as central players in shaping neural network dynamics, responding to stressors and homeostatic demands. A growing body of evidence highlights the multidirectional communication between astrocytes and microglia, orchestrated through diverse signaling molecules and pathways. Recent research underscores the importance of considering biological variables such as aging, sex differences, and health status in dissecting glial interactions, as these factors influence both cellular behavior and network outcomes. Despite significant advancements in delineating glial crosstalk, several critical questions persist regarding how aging and sex modulate these interactions in health and disease. For instance, how do menopause and the associated hormonal environment affect astrocyte and microglial function? Are there intrinsic differences in sex-specific glial communication observable in vitro, and do these mirror changes seen in animal models of different ages? Additionally, elucidating how neuroinflammatory processes disrupt or reshape astrocyte-microglia signaling remains a prominent area of investigation, with pivotal consequences for our understanding of age-related neurodegenerative conditions and sexually dimorphic brain disorders.This Research Topic aims to explore the mechanisms underlying astrocyte-microglia communication within the broader context of network physiology, with an emphasis on the intersections of aging, sex differences, health, and disease. By integrating experimental, computational, and theoretical approaches, this collection seeks to clarify the multifaceted roles of glial interactions in maintaining brain homeostasis and mediating dysfunction.To gather further insights in the physiological and pathological modulation of astrocyte-microglia interactions across the lifespan and between sexes, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Mechanisms of astrocyte-microglia signaling in development and aging(e.g., in puberty, menopause)o Age-dependent alterations of glial interactions in health and disease o Sex-specific differences in glial cell communication, both in vivo and in vitro modelso The impact of neuroinflammation on glial crosstalk across life stages and sexeso Role of astrocytic Ca2+ signaling in modulating microglial responseso Network-level consequences of glial interactions for brain physiology and pathologyo Novel experimental and computational approaches to modeling glial cell dynamicso Implications for therapeutic intervention and translational research Topic editors: Alessandro Di Spiezio, Anja Scheller, Kerstin Lenk Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/75851/astrocyte-microglia-communication-influences-of-aging-sex-and-health-states-in-network-physiology