Article
Neurosciences
Yixing Du, Faith H. Brennan, Phillip G. Popovich, Min Zhou
Summary: This study investigates the role of microglia in regulating the structure and function of astrocytes in the mouse hippocampus, revealing that depletion of microglia disrupts astrocyte syncytial isopotentiality and dye coupling, leading to reduced synaptic transmission in neurons. Activation of microglia enhances synaptic transmission, while leaving astrocyte network function unaffected.
Review
Clinical Neurology
Masoumeh Kourosh-Arami, Alireza Komaki, Masoumeh Gholami
Summary: Synaptic plasticity, a crucial mechanism in learning, is closely associated with addictive behaviors. Long-term exposure to addictive drugs leads to persistent memories of drug experience, and relapse is often triggered by cues related to drug experience. Preventing drug-induced synaptic modifications may be beneficial for the treatment of addiction.
NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Maria Joao Pereira, Rajagopal Ayana, Matthew G. G. Holt, Lutgarde Arckens
Summary: Astrocytes are crucial regulators of brain development and function, playing a role in synapse formation and maturation. They express G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that activate intracellular signaling pathways and modulate synaptic transmission. Manipulating astrocyte activity through genetically engineered GPCRs shows promise in improving neuronal function and behavior in both healthy and disease models, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for managing brain disorders.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eva Cristina de Oliveira Figueiredo, Bianca Maria Bondiolotti, Anthony Laugeray, Paola Bezzi
Summary: 22q11 deletion syndrome is a common microdeletion syndrome in humans that increases the likelihood of developing psychiatric disorders. Synaptic and neuronal malfunctions play a central role in the symptoms observed in patients. Mitochondrial processes and the involvement of astrocytes are important in synaptic plasticity, which is crucial to the pathophysiology of the syndrome.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Giulia Puliatti, Domenica Donatella Li Puma, Giuseppe Aceto, Giacomo Lazzarino, Erica Acquarone, Renata Mangione, Luciano 'Adamio, Cristian Ripoli, Ottavio Arancio, Roberto Piacentini, Claudio Grassi
Summary: Our study found that the specific antibody anti-glypican 4 (GPC4) significantly reduced the uptake of extracellular tau oligomers (oTau) by astrocytes and prevented oTau-induced alterations in calcium-dependent gliotransmitter release. Furthermore, GPC4 expression was found to be APP/AICD-dependent and mediated the accumulation of oTau in astrocytes, resulting in synaptotoxic effects.
PROGRESS IN NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kinga Gzielo, Agnieszka Nikiforuk
Summary: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a broad term encompassing various neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social behavior, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Risk factors for ASD include disturbances in brain homeostasis, genetic predispositions, and prenatal inflammation caused by viruses or bacteria. Recent research suggests that glial cells may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of ASD, but more data is needed to understand their involvement in the development of the disorder.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Jose Antonio Noriega-Prieto, Paulo Kofuji, Alfonso Araque
Summary: Astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating brain function by sensing and responding to endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling released from neurons, which in turn regulates synaptic transmission and plasticity. The eCB signaling to astrocytes is a complex process with diverse downstream signaling mechanisms, exhibiting spatial and temporal properties and influencing various functional synaptic outcomes.
Review
Neurosciences
Xiansu Chi, Liuding Wang, Hongxi Liu, Yunling Zhang, Wei Shen
Summary: Post-stroke cognitive impairment is a major complication of stroke, characterized by cognitive dysfunction that directly affects quality of life. This review examines the pathological damage of stroke on synaptic plasticity, analyzes changes in synaptic plasticity in post-stroke cognitive impairment, and summarizes commonly used Chinese herbal drugs that can regulate synaptic plasticity. The review aims to establish the relationship between post-stroke cognitive impairment and synaptic plasticity, provide new insights for future exploration of its mechanism, compile evidence for the use of Chinese herbal drugs in treating post-stroke cognitive impairment, and lay the foundation for the development of novel formulas.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Wei-Yong Lin, Chuan-Hsiu Liu, Jack Cheng, Hsin-Ping Liu
Summary: The RNA-binding protein fne plays a crucial role in post-transcriptional regulation of neuronal development and differentiation in Drosophila. Its expression changes have been found to impair various behaviors, neuronal transmission, and lifespan in both neurons and glia. Mechanistically, fne affects synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction and alters short-term synaptic plasticity. Additionally, fne overexpression shortens the lifespan, while its knockdown extends lifespan in both genders.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ron Mana, Or Ilovich, Monica Dines, Raphael Lamprecht
Summary: Fear memory may undergo a reconsolidation process after memory reactivation. This study found that ephrinA4 binding sites are necessary for the reconsolidation of long-term fear memory in the lateral amygdala (LA), and may serve as a target for the treatment of fear-related disorders.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Daniela Madeira, Catia R. Lopes, Ana P. Simoes, Paula M. Canas, Rodrigo A. Cunha, Paula Agostinho
Summary: The study found that silencing the A(2A)R gene in astrocytes leads to deficits in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory. Astrocytic A(2A)R control astrocytic morphology and influence hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory in adult mice.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leonid G. Khaspekov, Lidia E. Frumkina
Summary: Astrocytes play a wide range of important roles in the brain, including synaptogenesis and regulation of synaptic contacts. They secrete factors that contribute to the formation and rearrangement of neural networks, crucial for memory formation and behavior. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms and current knowledge regarding the involvement of astrocytes and their secreted factors in synaptic plasticity.
BIOCHEMISTRY-MOSCOW
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Giuseppina Natale, Micol Colella, Maria De Carluccio, Daniele Lelli, Alessandra Paffi, Filippo Carducci, Francesca Apollonio, Daniela Palacios, Maria Teresa Viscomi, Micaela Liberti, Veronica Ghiglieri
Summary: This study reveals that intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) has specific effects on astrocytes, improving motor performance in rats with Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, numerical dosimetry and biological findings allow us to predict electrical stimulation induced in different brain areas and associate it with functional and molecular changes.
MOVEMENT DISORDERS
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Marta Caamano-Moreno, Ricardo Gargini
Summary: This article discusses the impact of aberrant aggregation of tau protein in neurons and glia on synaptic dysfunctions, leading to cognitive symptoms. The mechanisms affected by tau protein inclusions in neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes are evaluated. This is of great importance for understanding and treating tauopathies.
Article
Neurosciences
Tianhai Wang, Guiping Xu, Xue Zhang, Yanghao Ren, Tianyu Yang, Cheng Xiao, Chunyi Zhou
Summary: Postoperative delirium is a serious health problem occurring after major surgery. The study found that malfunctioned astrocytes in the hippocampus contribute to cognitive dysfunction in postoperative delirium. The study suggests that targeting astrocyte activation and acetylcholine receptors may be a valuable strategy for intervention.