Abstract

Studying glia involvement in cognition is a rapidly expanding field. From 2013 to 2022, over three thousand studies has been published, highlighting a growing appreciation for glia as key players in plasticity and cognition. Recent advances in tools and techniques have revealed glial cells as active participants in neuronal plasticity, behaviour, and cognition.

This symposium will highlight distinct yet complementary aspects of glia-neuron interactions. Dr. Sandra H. Vaz will discuss how adenosine can influence synaptic networks and cognitive function, opening avenues for therapeutic interventions. Prof. Amit Agarwal will address how glia-neuron interactions mediated by neuromodulators, such as norepinephrine, drive adaptive plasticity and myelination. Dr. Juliana Rosa will highlight how astrocytes dynamically regulate cortical network responsiveness to sensory input. Together, these talks intersect at key themes: the role of glial signalling in shaping plasticity across temporal and spatial scales, its impact on network-level dynamics, and its relevance to behaviour and cognition.

Chairs Dr. Asiminas and Dr. Herlo, with expertise in systems and behavioural neuroscience and cellular biology, will guide discussions to integrate work presented by the three speakers. The symposium will identify key intersections across these perspectives—such as glial regulation of plasticity and behaviour—to foster collaboration, resolve discordant findings, and inspire new research directions.