Glial Cells in Health and Disease

The overarching goal of the conference is to gain a better understanding of the role of glial cells in brain function, particularly their interactions with each other, with neurons and the brain vasculature. Glia cells are important primary and secondary components in critical physiological processes occurring in the brain. Further, glial cell dysfunction is increasingly being identified as a key factor in several neurodevelopmental and neurological pathologies. The biology of astrocytes, microglia and mylenating glial cells in physiology and pathology will be emphasized in this meeting. Leaders in the field will present cutting edge research and discuss critical gaps in our knowledge. In conjunction with the affiliated Gordon Research Seminar, emerging young scholars will have opportunities to speak or present posters to share new ideas.

The program is divided into nine sessions covering the role of glia in the development of synapses and synaptic circuits, their contribution to blood vessel integrity and cerebral blood flow, their interaction with axons, and the emerging role of glia in neurological disease including neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and fragile X. Two poster sessions will permit all participants to contribute to these topics.

This meeting is imminently health related by highlighting many instances of identified and proposed glial participation in neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions. The novel research presented at this meeting will serve to advance our understanding of glial cells in both health and disease.