There is growing consensus that glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and NG2 cells, and microglia) can contribute actively and dynamically to information processing in the CNS. To date, most research has focussed on how glia modulates neuronal function throughout development: from synaptogenesis and synapse remodelling to control of synaptic plasticity and excitability. However, evidence is also accumulating for the reciprocal phenomenon of neuronal activity triggering short- and long-term changes in glial function. Glial plasticity can manifest itself in a change in the strength of neuron-glial communication, in the strength of gliotransmission, in the morphology of glia, and in their anatomical connectivity to the neuronal network and microvasculature. Characterization of the induction mechanisms, computational rules, and functional consequences of glial plasticity will help us understand how dynamic bidirectional communication between neurons and glia shapes long-term changes in neurophysiology.

We invite authors to submit original research and review articles that contribute to our understanding of plasticity in the glial cell family.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Plasticity in the strength of neuron-glial communication
• Plasticity in gliotransmitter release
• Plasticity in glial-glial communication
• Plasticity in glial-vascular coupling
• Plasticity in glial morphology (spatial territory and interactions with neurons)
• Alterations in glial signalling during CNS inflammation and neuropathology