Beyond neurons: Computational models of glial–neuronal interactions in brain function

For some time, the field of neuroscience has been predominantly "neurocentric," viewing neurons as the primary agents of information processing while dismissing glial cells as mere structural support. However, emerging experimental evidence has revolutionized this perspective, and we now recognize that astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes are active participants in neural circuit dynamics. From astrocytes modulating synaptic transmission via the "tripartite synapse" to microglia orchestrating circuit refinement through pruning and oligodendrocytes regulating signal timing via adaptive myelination, these interactions are fundamental to learning, memory, and homeostasis.Despite these biological insights, most current computational frameworks continue to focus on neuron-only architectures. This underrepresentation limits our ability to simulate realistic brain states or understand the progression of neurological disorders, and therefore, to achieve a holistic understanding of the brain, it is now essential to integrate these non-neuronal components into mathematical and computational models, bridging the gap between molecular signaling and system-level function.The primary goal of this Research Topic is to propel the shift from neuron-only simulations toward a more comprehensive "neuro-glial" computational paradigm. We aim to gather cutting-edge research that quantifies the feedback loops between glia and neurons, exploring how these interactions influence coding, network plasticity, and metabolic efficiency.By fostering a transdisciplinary dialogue, incorporating insights from neuroscience, data science, physics, and systems biology, this collection seeks to establish robust, predictive models. We are particularly interested in how the breakdown of neuro-glial interactions contributes to pathologies such as epilepsy, neurodegeneration, chronic pain, and psychiatric disorders. And so, ultimately, this topic aims to inform both basic science and the development of glia-targeted therapeutic interventions.We welcome articles using biophysical, phenomenological, or data-driven modeling, and we encourage submissions spanning multiple scales, from molecular dynamics to large-scale whole-brain simulations. Specific themes include, but are not limited to: - Mathematical modeling of the tripartite synapse and astrocytic calcium signaling. - Computational roles of microglia in synaptic pruning, remodeling, and neuroinflammation. - The impact of oligodendrocyte-mediated myelination on spike timing and network oscillations. - Models of metabolic coupling and the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle. - Glial contributions to homeostatic scaling and long-term potentiation/depression. - Simulations of neuro-glial dysfunction in psychiatric and neurological disorders. - Novel software tools and platforms for integrating glial cells into neural simulators. - Bio-inspired AI architectures incorporating glial-like regulatory mechanisms. Topic editors: Siamak Sorooshyari, Qingkun Liu, Guoqiang Yu Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78288/beyond-neurons-computational-models-of-glial-neuronal-interactions-in-brain-function