QnAs with Ben Barres

Abstract

The density of cells in the human brain defies imagination. Among the cellular throng, neurons garner much of the credit for brain function. Viewed under the microscope, however, slices of brain tissue are crisscrossed by swarms of cells of varying shapes. Collectively called glia, these cells enrobe neurons, embrace blood vessels, envelop synapses, and alter the chemical milieu in which the brain is awash. As collaborators in brain function, glial cells were once considered a mildly fascinating sideshow but have recently benefited from a revival of intense scientific interest. Ben Barres, a neuroscientist at Stanford University and the first transgendered researcher to be elected to the National Academy of Sciences, has devoted a distinguished career to solving what he eloquently puts as “the mystery and magic of glia.” Over the years, Barres’ pursuit has helped redefine the scientific understanding of his favored cell type: Far from being a janitorial workforce, glia, it turns out, control how synapses form, function, and fade away, suggesting that these resourceful cells might play a prominent role in activities commonly ascribed to neurons. The therapeutic implications of these findings are not lost on Barres, who explores the potential of glia as drug targets in brain diseases. Barres recently spoke to PNAS about his interest in glia. Ben Barres. > PNAS: Over two decades, you have helped revise the false notion of glia as the nervous system’s lowly foot soldiers, whose raison d’etre is to serve and support neurons. When did you become interested in glia? > Barres: I became interested …