Gliogenesis

In the cerebellum, both astrocytes and oligodendrocytes are characterized by a peculiar phenotypic heterogeneity, closely related to specific functional features unique among the glial cells of the entire central nervous system. Nevertheless, while the mechanisms of neuronal diversification have been deeply investigated and in part elucidated, gliogenesis in the cerebellum remains poorly explored. Here, we critically discuss the available knowledge regarding the ontogenesis of the repertoire of glial cells in the cerebellum, their relationships with cerebellar neurons, and the processes regulating the acquisition of their mature morpho- logical and molecular traits, pointing out the open questions that still seek elucidation.