Neuroscience has long focused on the brain’s 86 billion neurons as the primary drivers of cognition and resilience. However, emerging research published in Science Translational Medicine reveals a more nuanced picture: the brain’s supporting cells—astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes—orchestrate neural health through intricate chemical signalling networks that determine whether the brain environment becomes protective or inflammatory. These glial cells engage in continuous molecular conversations that shape memory, mood regulation, and long-term cognitive function. Astrocytes serve as central regulatory hubs controlling inflammatory pathways, while microglia dynamically shift between protective and damaging states based on incoming signals. Oligodendrocytes respond to environmental cues to support or suppress myelin formation and neuronal stability. Understanding these cellular interactions opens new therapeutic avenues for protecting brain health during stress, injury, and aging. Read the full article on GMJ Newsroom.
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