The fundamental mechanism of how sensory axons traverse a spinal cord glia limitans remains debatable, with some suggesting a role for boundary cap cells at the dorsal root entry zone (DREZ). Here, authors use time-lapse imaging of DRG axons at the DREZ to show that pioneer axons enter the DREZ before the presence of boundary cap cells, and that this entry is critically dependent on the development of actin-rich invasion structures reminiscent of invadopodia.

In Drosophila, ensheathing glia encase the neuropil but their function is not well understood. Here the authors show a surprising role of ensheathing glia in regulating glutamate homeostasis and locomotion which is controlled by the sulfite oxidase Shopper.

Gliomas represent the most deadly of human brain tumours; however, little progress has been made towards their successful treatment. In this Review, Deneen and colleagues discuss how glioma tumorigenesis resembles glial development and how this may inform novel therapies.