Abstract
The nervous system consists of two main cell types: neurons, which form the intricate network that processes and transmits information, and glial cells, which are nestled within and around the neurons. Although neurons are responsible for the primary function of the system, glial cells perform a myriad of functions essential to its health and maintenance. In addition to their general role as insulators, they are also involved in the control of neuronal development, proliferation, and survival, as well as the regulation of extracellular ionic homeostasis and neurotransmitters (Barres, 1991; Masu et al., 1993; Ebens et al., 1993; Buchanan and Benzer, 1993; Reynold and Woolf, 1993; Xiong and Montell, 1995; Auld et al., 1995). One of the most intriguing observations in neurobiology is that these two cell types, which play such different, yet interdependent roles, often arise from a single, common precursor over the course of development (for reviews, see Anderson, 1989, 1995; McConnell, 1991; Doe and Technau, 1993; Jan and Jan, 1994; Giangrande, 1996). How is the cell fate choice made between neurons and glial cells in the developing nervous system?
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Miller, A.A. et al. (1999). Role and Mechanism of Action of Glial Cell Deficient/Glial Cell Missing (Glide/Gcm), The Fly Glial Promoting Factor. In: Matsas, R., Tsacopoulos, M. (eds) The Functional Roles of Glial Cells in Health and Disease. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 468. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-4685-6_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-4685-6_4
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