Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Yang Yu, Ran Chen, Kaiyue Mao, Maoyan Deng, Zhigang Li
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder without a cure. Synaptic dysfunction caused by overactive glial cells plays a crucial role in the progression of the disease. Neuroinflammation and synaptic impairment are early signs of Alzheimer's. This review examines the involvement of various glial cells in regulating synaptic dysfunction and provides insights into the underlying mechanisms of Alzheimer's.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yang Liu, Wei Yang, Jinqi Xue, Juntong Chen, Shiqing Liu, Shijie Zhang, Xiaohui Zhang, Xi Gu, Youjing Dong, Peng Qiu
Summary: The proportion of advanced age patients undergoing surgical procedures is increasing due to advancements in surgical and anesthesia technologies as well as an aging population. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication in older patients and its development involves multiple factors. Neuroinflammation is considered a leading hypothesis and plays a crucial role in the understanding and treatment of POCD.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Qianqian Liu, Rui Li, Wei Yang, Ranji Cui, Bingjin Li
Summary: This study summarized the role of neuroglia in neuropathic pain and depression, revealing a bridging role of neuroglia in both conditions.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jacopo Meldolesi
Summary: For many years, astrocytes were thought to merely provide structural and metabolic support to neurons; however, research over the past few decades has revealed a multitude of functions for these glial cells, including neurogenesis, glutamate homeostasis, synapse formation, and energy production. Senescent astrocytes, no longer able to proliferate, exhibit altered gene expression and function, contributing to neuroinflammation, cognitive decline, and neuronal toxicity in various brain diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rodolfo Costa, Sara Montagnese
Summary: Evidence suggests that the mammalian circadian clock system is more complex than previously believed, with astrocytic cells playing a significant role in generating the oscillation. The astrocytic clock may also contribute to circadian and seasonal rhythmicity in health and neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, the role of the astrocytic clock in determining clinical features of hepatic encephalopathy warrants further investigation.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lin Shao, Guang-tong Jiang, Xing-liang Yang, Meng-liu Zeng, Jing-jing Cheng, Shuo Kong, Xin Dong, Tao-xiang Chen, Song Han, Jun Yin, Wan-hong Liu, Xiao-hua He, Chunjiang He, Bi-wen Peng
Summary: The study identified circIgf1r as a potential target for preventing and treating neuronal damage after epilepsy. Inhibiting circIgf1r reduced neuronal loss by converting astrocytes to a protective A2 phenotype and promoting astrocyte autophagy while preventing A1 polarization.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yang Zhao, Daehoon Lee, Xiao-Juan Zhu, Wen-Cheng Xiong
Summary: Embryonic neuronal Vps35 is critical for blood vessel branching and maturation in the developing mouse brain, with BV-associated microglia playing a role in this process.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Min-Ho Nam, Moonsun Sa, Yeon Ha Ju, Mingu Gordon Park, C. Justin Lee
Summary: This study shows that in Parkinson's disease, MAOB is involved in the aberrant synthesis of GABA and H2O2 in reactive astrocytes, leading to gradual damage and death of dopaminergic neurons.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Christian Lohr
Summary: This review summarizes the function of P2Y receptors in astrocytes, including their regulation of cellular functions and involvement in various brain diseases.
Article
Neurosciences
Monica R. Langley, Chan-Il Choi, Thais R. Peclat, Yong Guo, Whitney L. Simon, Hyesook Yoon, Laurel Kleppe, Claudia F. Lucchinetti, Claudia C. S. Chini, Eduardo N. Chini, Isobel A. Scarisbrick
Summary: The study revealed disruptions in myelinating cells and astrocytes in the mouse central nervous system caused by a high-fat diet, with CD38 inhibitors identified as potential therapeutic candidates to improve myelin regeneration.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Tianyou Wang, Yingqi Sun, Ulf Dettmer
Summary: Parkinson's disease is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons. This review highlights the roles of astrocytes in PD and how their properties can be utilized to increase neuron survivability. Astrocytes normally have protective functions but can become dysfunctional and contribute to neurotoxicity in PD. Restoring healthy astrocyte function and maximizing their beneficial effects represent promising therapeutic approaches.
Article
Immunology
Jie Rao, Weikang Sun, Xinran Wang, Jin Li, Zhichun Zhang, Feifan Zhou
Summary: Chronic morphine exposure causes addictive behaviors and neuroinflammation in the central nervous system. This study explores the role of astrocytes in morphine addiction and induced neuroinflammation. It is found that astrocytes respond to neuronal activation by increasing glycolytic metabolism, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and release of inflammatory cytokines. Blocking the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide salvage pathway with FK866 can restore mitochondrial homeostasis and attenuate neuroinflammatory responses, ultimately reversing morphine-induced addictive behaviors in mice. This research provides novel insights into the interactions between neurons, astrocytes, and microglia in the brain during chronic morphine exposure.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Rong Li, Min Zhao, Di Yao, Xiangyue Zhou, Cameron Lenahan, Ling Wang, Yibo Ou, Yue He
Summary: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a significant public health concern worldwide, causing high morbidity and mortality. Astrocytes, as the most abundant cell type in the central nervous system, play a crucial role in the brain damage and recovery following SAH. They are involved in various processes such as blood-brain barrier disruption, oxidative stress, and crosstalk with other brain cells.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Xianlong Zhu, Haiying Li, Wanchun You, Zhengquan Yu, Zongqi Wang, Haitao Shen, Xiang Li, Hao Yu, Zhong Wang, Gang Chen
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the role of Rph3A in neuronal injury induced by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. The results showed that Rph3A expression increased in the penumbra of the brain after ischemia-reperfusion, suggesting that it may play a protective role, primarily mediated by astrocytes.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stefano Ratti, Isabella Rusciano, Sara Mongiorgi, Eric Owusu Obeng, Alessandra Cappellini, Gabriella Teti, Mirella Falconi, Lia Talozzi, Sabina Capellari, Anna Bartoletti-Stella, Pietro Guaraldi, Pietro Cortelli, Pann-Ghill Suh, Lucio Cocco, Lucia Manzoli, Giulia Ramazzotti
Summary: ADLD is a rare fatal neurodegenerative disorder with unclear molecular mechanisms due to LMNB1 gene alterations. Severe ultrastructural nuclear alterations were found in cells from ADLD patients, suggesting a significant role of astrocytes in disease evolution. Furthermore, LMNB1 overexpression also leads to a reduction in LIF levels and affects LIF-activated signaling pathways.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
