A Brief Overview of Human Glial Cells

Author: AcceGen R&D Team

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The nervous system of vertebrates (including humans) is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). As an important part of the nervous system, human glial cells have the function of supporting and nourishing neurons as well as absorbing and regulating certain active substances. These cells are very worthy of being studied.

What are Human Glial Cells?

The nervous system contains two main types of cells: neurons and glial cells. There are a variety of glial cells in the CNS, including oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, ependymal cells, and so on. There are also different glial cells in the PNS, including Schwann cells and satellite cells. Glial cells constitute about half of the cells of the CNS. From neuronal birth, migration, through to axon specification and growth, each glial cell influences nervous system development[1].

Glial cells have four main functions: (1) to surround neurons and hold them in place; (2) to supply nutrients and oxygen to neurons; (3) to insulate one neuron from another; (4) to destroy pathogens and remove dead neurons. They also play a role in synapse formation and myelination.

Types of Human Glial Cells

Glial cells do not have axons and do not generate action potentials. They can engulf neurons that have been dismantled by injury and can repair fillings and scars. Glial cells mainly include astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and so on [Figure 1].

Figure 1 Types of Glial Cells[5].

Astrocytes

Astrocytes can be able to maintain the homeostasis of the CNS during development, normal physiology, and aging. As an important part of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), astrocytes can sense and respond to peripheral injuries in BBB as well as to supply energy to the brain. When there are pathological insults, astrocytes can respond rapidly with great diversity. Their responses increase in the face of acute injury, such as an infection and injury. Astrocytes have the function of repairing and proliferating to fill the tissue defects left after degeneration and removal due to hypoxia, trauma, disease, and etc.

Oligodendrocytes

Oligodendrocytes are one of the most highly specialised cellular structures. They make up myelin sheath, which is one of the most differentiated structures in the body[2]. And they form electrical insulation around nerve fibers, making it possible for electrical signals in the brain to travel rapidly. There will be progressive degeneration of chronically demyelinated axons when myelin and oligodendrocyte damage. Myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is an autoimmune disorder. The disease shows CNS demyelination in both adults and children[3].

Schwann cells

In the PNS, the major glial cells are Schwann cells. They surround all axons in peripheral nerves. And there are two types of them: myelinating and non-myelinating. The structure and function of myelinating Schwann cells are similar to those of oligodendrocytes in CNS[4]. The non-myelinating Schwann cells are similar to astrocytes and may have metabolic and mechanical support functions. Schwann cells are extremely active and can secrete a variety of active substances (such as neurotrophic factors, extracellular matrix and adhesion factors, etc.). The secreted substances are of great significance for maintaining the survival, growth and regeneration of nerve fibers.

Conclusion

Glial cells have many functions, which is of great significance for the normal operation and development of the human nervous system. They can be used as models for a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. While tumor glial cells can be used in glioma models. To summarise, the application of glial cells contribute greatly to the development of modern biomedicine.

Where to Get Human Glial Cells for Your Research?

AcceGen isolates and offers human astrocytes, microglial cells, oligodendrocytes, and Schwann cells for primary glia culture. These cells provide you with a convenient means to research. To get more information, please refer to: Nervous System Primary Cells.

It is our pleasure to help relative researches to move forward. All the products of AcceGen strictly comply with international standards. For more detailed information, please visit our product portfolio or contact inquiry@accegen.com.

Reference

1. Allen, N.J. and D.A. Lyons, Glia as architects of central nervous system formation and function. Science, 2018. 362(6411): p. 181-185.

2. Simons, M. and K.A. Nave, Oligodendrocytes: Myelination and Axonal Support. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol, 2015. 8(1): p. a020479.

3. Marignier, R., et al., Myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease. Lancet Neurol, 2021. 20(9): p. 762-772.

4. Morrison, B.M., Neuromuscular Diseases. Semin Neurol, 2016. 36(5): p. 409-418.

5. Dellwo, A., What Are Glial Cells and What Do They Do? Very Well Health, 2022.