Radialglialike

Radialglialike is a term used to describe cells that resemble radial glia in morphology, molecular profile, and developmental function. Radial glia are key neural progenitors in the developing central nervous system, typically possessing an elongated soma with processes extending from the ventricular zone to the outer surface and giving rise to neurons and glia. The label radialglialike is applied to cells that retain these features outside the classic embryonic population, including certain adult neural stem cells and retinal glia, as well as cells generated in vitro in brain organoids or differentiation protocols.

Morphology and markers of radialglialike cells often include an extended process resembling a radial scaffold and expression of progenitor and glial markers such as nestin, Sox2, Pax6, GLAST (EAAT1), GFAP, and BLBP. They may display behavior typical of progenitors, including the ability to proliferate and to generate neurons, astrocytes, or oligodendrocytes under appropriate cues. In research settings, radialglialike cells are investigated in organoid models and in responses to injury or disease to understand developmental programs and regenerative potential.

Developmental and regional context varies. During embryogenesis, radialglialike populations contribute to cortical and subcortical neuron production and provide scaffolding for migrating neurons. In the postnatal and adult brain, a subset persists as neural stem cells in regions such as the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone, often described as radial-glia-like neural stem cells. In the retina, Müller glia are classic radial glial–like cells with latent regenerative potential in some species.

Overall, radialglialike cells represent a conserved theme of radial morphology paired with glial progenitor properties, informing our understanding of brain development, lineage relationships, and regenerative capacity.