Müller glia
Müller glia (or Müller cells) are a type of retinal glial cell—support cells for neurons in the retina. They are the most common glial cells in the retina. Their cell bodies sit in the inner nuclear layer, but their extensions run across the whole retina. Their main job is to keep retinal cells structurally and functionally stable.
Müller glia help regulate the eye’s environment. They take up neurotransmitters, remove debris, manage potassium levels, store glycogen, insulate neurons electrically, and provide mechanical support to the retina.
Developmentally, Müller glia come from two cell populations and share a lineage with retinal neurons. Some Müller glia originate from neural crest cells. They are important for retinal development in mice, helping retinal growth and formation. In some animals, they also guide growing nerve fibers in the developing retina and may influence synapse formation.
Müller glia also play a role in light transmission. Their funnel-shaped, well-placed cells help direct light toward the photoreceptors.
In research, Müller glia are studied for their potential in neural regeneration. In zebrafish and chicken, they can act as progenitor cells to repair damaged retina, though the exact molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In mice, experiments show that turning on a gene called Ascl1 along with a histone deacetylase inhibitor can enable Müller glia to regenerate retinal neurons. In humans, Müller glia might act as stem cells or as precursors to rod photoreceptors, though this potential needs more study.
When the retina is damaged, Müller glia respond with gliosis, a reactive change that varies by species and type of injury. Ongoing research continues to explore how to harness their regenerative abilities, and how they affect vision in humans.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 18:32 (CET).