Steering Axon Development: Glial Cell Mechanisms in Drosophila

Abstract

Glial cells play an indispensable role in the nervous system, providing structural support to neurons and regulating their function and development. Glia support neural network formation and plasticity in axon guidance, synaptic pruning, and neurogenesis. Of note, studies have shown that glial cell dysfunction is closely related to the occurrence of neurological diseases. An in-depth exploration of the multiple roles of glia helps reveal the mechanism of nervous system functioning and provides an important basis for novel therapeutic strategies. Drosophila melanogaster is one of the model organisms for studying glial function because of its relatively simple nervous system, but highly conserved function with mammals. Here, we summarize the studies of Drosophila glial cell roles in axon guidance, pruning, and regeneration, three key processes in axonal development, which aim to understand neuron-glia interactions, as well as provide novel insights into the molecular basis of neurodevelopment and associated neurological disorders.