Cell Types] > Glial Cells Hub
This hub page provides navigation to all glial cell types in the NeuroWiki knowledge base. Glial cells (from Greek γλοία meaning "glue") are non-neuronal cells that constitute approximately half of all brain cells. Far from passive support cells, glia actively regulate synaptic transmission, maintain homeostasis, provide metabolic support, myelinate axons, and mediate immune responses. Dysfunctional glia are increasingly recognized as central players in neurodegenerative diseases.
Key functions:
MicrogliaMicroglia
Microglia Main page
Border-Associated Macrophages — Perivascular and meningeal macrophages
Diseased-Associated Microglia — DAM phenotype in neurodegeneration
Key functions:
Oligodendrocytes Main page
Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells — NG2-glia, proliferative progenitors
Myelinating Oligodendrocytes — Adult myelin maintenance
Key functions:
Key functions: CSF production, barrier function, waste clearance via glymphatic system
Key functions:
Key functions: Sensory neuron support, ion homeostasis, pain modulation
| Cell Type | Specific Markers | Shared Markers |
|---|---|---|
| Astrocytes | GFAP, S100β, Aldh1l1, AQP4 | GLT-1, GLAST |
| Microglia | Iba1, TMEM119, P2RY12 | CD11b, CX3CR1 |
| Oligodendrocytes | MBP, PLP, MOG, MAG | CNP, Olig2 |
| OPCs | NG2/CSPG4, PDGFRα | Olig2, Sox10 |
| Schwann Cells | S100β, p75NTR | MBP, P0/MPZ |
| Ependymal Cells | S100β, Vimentin | GFAP (tanycytes) |
Schizophrenia — Oligodendrocyte gene expression changes
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease — Schwann cell myelin p
[Neuroinflammation](/mechanisms/- [Blood-Brain Barrier](/mechanisms/blood-brain-barri
[Neuroinflammation](/mechanisms/- [Blood-Brain Barrier](/mechanisms/blood-brain-barr
[Neuroinflammation](/mechanisms/- Blood-Brain Barriernt
[Neuroinflammation](/mechanisms/- Blood-Brain Barrierination
Blood-Brain Barrier Glymphatic System
Synaptic Pruning