Prof. Jose Miguel Soria E-Mail
Professor, Biomedical Science Department, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, Plaza Reyes Catolicos 19,03204 Elche (Alicante) Spain
Research Keywords: brain; invitro culture; stem cell; neuroprotective therapy; cell biology
Glial cells are key homeostatic cells of the central nervous system. The cooperation of glial cells with neurons at several levels, including ion and water homeostasis, chemical signal transmission, blood flow regulation, immune and oxidative stress defense, supply of metabolites and neurogenesis is crucial. Besides, glial cells are also important for viability and maturation of stem-cell derived neurons. Neurons critically depend on intrinsic protective and supportive properties of astrocytes and other glial cells. Conversely, all forms of pathogenic stimuli which disturb astrocytic functions compromise neuronal functionality and viability. Support of neuroprotective functions of astrocytes is thus an important strategy for enhancing neuronal survival and improving outcomes in disease states.
In this special issue, our main interest will be in studies investigating specific aspects of glial cell response in the neuroprotection within the CNS. We take particular interest in manuscripts reporting new evidence demonstrating glial participation in neurodegenerative disorders, brain damage and brain cancer, anti-inflammatory or neuroprotective treatments that may improve disease prognosis, and basic science studies conducted in disease models illustrating mechanisms of neuroprotection and/or the beneficial or adverse effects of drugs.
We invite investigators to contribute both original articles and review articles. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:
· Glial cell response and neuroprotection
· Neuroinflammation and glial cell responses
· Innate and adaptive glia responses in the CNS
· Brain neuroprotection
· Cross-talk between the glial cells and neurons
· Brain damage and neuroprotective therapy
· Effects of aging on the function of glial cells
· Preclinical studies of neuroprotective therapeutics
Keywords: glial cells; neuroprotection; central nervous system; neuronal survival, astrocytes