Glial cells are a large group of cells in the nervous system that are distinct from neurons and are 10-50 times more numerous. For a long time glial cells were considered a kind of "glue" in the nervous system, only to bind neurons and fill the nervous system. As neuroscience has advanced in recent decades, neurobiologists have discovered that glial cells perform a variety of functions and are involved in higher functions such as memory, cognition, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, and even aging. According to PubMed, the 10-year growth rate of glial cell related papers in China is 270%, much higher than the global average growth rate of 140%, indicating that the research momentum of glial cells in China is very strong. This issue of Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics has features more than 19 papers on glial cells. It covers the aspects of physiological and pathological functions of glial cells. The publication of this issue will promote the scientific research on glial cells in China and serve as a reference for the China Brain Project.