Glial engineering - disruptive technologies and approaches to unveil the role of glia in brain function and dysfunction

Abstract

Glial cells actively regulate homeostasis and module synaptic circuitry. Despite the growing evidence on their importance, the development and applications of technologies, tools and approaches that are ad hoc tailored to target glia is still limited.

In this scenario, the talk will give an overview of the results achieved by using graphene-based materials, photo-switchable molecules and biophysical methods that allow to elicit selective calcium signaling, ion channel conductance and water transport in astrocytes, glial cells and neurons.

Insights, on the cellular mechanisms beyond the response of astrocytes to extracellular biophysical challenges (electric fields, molecular photoswitching, electromagnetic waves) will be provided.

The results achieved, with the herein presented emerging “gliotechnologies”, might be useful to boost the understanding on the role of glia in brain function as well as alternative therapeutic approaches to treat brain dysfunctions.