The central nervous system is mainly composed of neurons and non-neuronal cells. Neurons function through the conduction of neural electrical activities and are the main executors of neuroconscious activities. Non-neuronal cells in the nervous system, including glial cells, pericytes and endothelial cells, account for half the number of human brain cells. Although they do not directly function through neural electrical activities, they are involved in various processes such as development, aging, homeostasis, and diseases of the body, and are crucial for the functioning of the nervous system. 

In recent years, there has been a renewed emphasis on the study of non-neuronal cells, resulting in a series of significant discoveries that have rewritten traditional theories in neuroscience. 

Six outstanding scholars in the field will be invited at the session to explore the functions of non-neuronal cells in the nervous system and offer insight into the working mechanisms of the brain from a holistic perspective by sharing their latest research findings. 

Chair      

Peng Bo

Research fellow, Fudan University 

Invited speakers & reports

Feng Jianfeng

Professor, Fudan University

Report: Mental health and immune system: A data driven approach 

He Cheng

Professor, Naval Medical University

Report: Seeing is believing: Insights into nascent myelin formation 

Hu Bo

Chief physician & professor, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Report: Study on the mechanism and transformation of SEMA4D/PlexinB1 signaling in the regulation of fundus angiogenesis leakage 

Zhou Jiawei

Research fellow, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)

Report: NG2 glia and NG2-expressing microglia, two distinct players during neurodegeneration 

Peng Bo

Research fellow, Fudan University

Report: Death and rebirth: Philosophy of microglia 

Jiao Jianwei

Professor, Institute of Zoology, CAS

Report: Study on the regulatory mechanisms of microglia and neural stem cells