Glia-Driven and Non-Synaptic Plasticity in Health and Disease

Neuroplasticity and development have traditionally focused on synaptic mechanisms as the primary substrates of circuit remodeling. However, recent advances have broadened this perspective, revealing that plasticity extends well beyond synapses and relies on the dynamic contributions of diverse glial cell populations. Astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocyte-lineage cells are now recognized as critical modulators of neural network function. These cells shape neuronal excitability, maintain extracellular homeostasis, influence synaptic connectivity, and coordinate neurometabolic and immune-driven remodeling. Emerging molecular, genetic, and imaging approaches have uncovered previously unappreciated roles of glial regulation of plasticity across development, aging, and pathology. Yet, the molecular cascades and regulatory networks underlying these glial-driven and non-synaptic processes remain incompletely defined, particularly regarding their dysregulation in neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric disorders.This Research Topic aims to elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which glial cells and non-synaptic processes govern neural plasticity and to clarify how their disruption or reprogramming contributes to disease. It seeks to integrate findings across systems and model organisms to understand how glia-mediated interactions support network flexibility and resilience. Furthermore, this topic will highlight how unraveling glial-centric mechanisms of plasticity can inform the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets, with a special emphasis on activity-dependent, age-specific, and context-dependent remodeling mechanisms.The scope of this Research Topic encompasses experimental and theoretical studies that advance our understanding of glial and non-synaptic mechanisms of plasticity in physiological and pathological contexts. We welcome contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Activity-dependent remodeling by astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocyte-lineage cells• Glial regulation of intrinsic neuronal excitability and extracellular homeostasis• Gliotransmission and its influence on circuit dynamics and adaptability• Neurometabolic coupling and immune-mediated mechanisms of plastic change• Intracellular signaling, receptor/channel regulation, and transcriptional programs• Epigenetic, metabolic, and intercellular mechanisms controlling non-synaptic plasticity• Extracellular vesicle-mediated signaling and biomarker discovery• Glial contributions to neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric disordersIn addition to Original Research, we encourage submissions of Brief Research Reports, Methods, Reviews and Mini-Reviews, Hypothesis & Theory, Perspectives, and Opinion articles. Topic editors: Giovanni Cirillo, Deepti Lall, Songqiang Huang Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79042/glia-driven-and-non-synaptic-plasticity-in-health-and-disease