Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Celia Luchena, Jone Zuazo-Ibarra, Jorge Valero, Carlos Matute, Elena Alberdi, Estibaliz Capetillo-Zarate
Summary: Glial cells play an essential role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. A straightforward and reproducible triple co-culture model of neurons, astrocytes, and microglia was developed to study AD. This model provides a better representation of physiological conditions compared to individual primary cultures and can be used to study neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in the context of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Mathematics
Osman Taylan, Mona Abusurrah, Ehsan Eftekhari-Zadeh, Ehsan Nazemi, Farheen Bano, Ali Roshani
Summary: This paper investigates the regulatory role of astrocyte cells in neuronal activity and presents a model to describe their interactions. Simulation results demonstrate that by adjusting the coupling coefficients of astrocytes, the spiking frequency of neurons can be reduced and the activity of neuronal cells can be modulated.
Article
Developmental Biology
Osamu Nozawa, Muneaki Miyata, Hajime Shiotani, Takeshi Kameyama, Ryouhei Komaki, Tatsuhiro Shimizu, Toshihiko Kuriu, Yutaro Kashiwagi, Yuka Sato, Michinori Koebisu, Atsu Aiba, Shigeo Okabe, Kiyohito Mizutani, Yoshimi Takai
Summary: We demonstrated that co-cultured neurons induced astrocyte ramifications and formation of tripartite synapses in an in vitro system. The induction of astrocyte ramifications was dependent on neuronal activity and likely involved synaptically-released glutamate and activation of astrocytic mGluR5. Moreover, the Necl2/3 trans-interaction recruited glutamate transporters and K+ channels to the perisynaptic astrocyte processes, enhancing synapse formation and astrocyte functional polarization.
Review
Neurosciences
Kazuo Yamagata
Summary: Astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating synapse formation and function, protecting the brain from damage and restoring synaptic function after injury. They release various molecules to induce synaptic structure and function, providing a protective effect against synaptic damage.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Katrien C. K. Poelaert, Riley M. Williams, Christine M. Matullo, Glenn F. Rall
Summary: Viruses, such as herpes, entero-, and morbilliviruses, are the most common cause of infectious encephalitis in mammals. Utilizing a measles virus transgenic mouse model, researchers discovered a novel mode of viral spread between neurons and astrocytes, offering insights into the unique interaction of different cell types within the central nervous system.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Sergey V. Stasenko, Victor B. Kazantsev
Summary: We investigated how a mathematical model composed of a spiking neural network (SNN) interacting with astrocytes can represent information content in the form of two-dimensional images. The SNN includes excitatory and inhibitory neurons, while the astrocytes provide slow modulation of synaptic transmission strength. We found that astrocytic modulation prevents hyperexcitation and non-periodic bursting activity, allowing the restoration of the image supplied during stimulation.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna L. M. Parsons, Eboni M. V. Bucknor, Enrico Castroflorio, Tania R. Soares, Peter L. Oliver, Daniel Rial
Summary: One of the most important characteristics of the brain is its high metabolic demand, resulting in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can cause oxidative stress (OS). OS is associated with many neurological disorders, including epilepsy. Neuroinflammation and excessive production of ROS are likely key features of seizure initiation and propagation. This review explores the role of OS in epilepsy, its connection to neuroinflammation, and its impact on synaptic function. It also discusses the latest advances in anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) and their interaction with OS.
Article
Mathematics
Sergey M. Olenin, Tatiana A. Levanova, Sergey V. Stasenko
Summary: The goal of this study is to propose a new reduced phenomenological model that describes the mean-field dynamics arising from neuron-glial interaction, taking into account short-term synaptic plasticity and recurrent connections in the presence of astrocytic modulation of the synaptic connection. The proposed model reproduces a rich set of patterns of population activity, including spiking, bursting and chaotic temporal patterns, and can be used to reproduce various patterns of population activity of neurons in a wide range of studies of dynamic memory and information processing. One possible application of such research is the development of new effective methods for the treatment of neurological diseases associated with neuron-glial interactions.
Article
Computer Science, Hardware & Architecture
Saeed Haghiri, Arash Ahmadi
Summary: Astrocytes, also known as astroglia, play a crucial role in brain diseases by regulating extracellular and synaptic information, synchronizing neurons, and providing feedback to neural activity. This study investigates neuron-astrocyte interactions to evaluate network behaviors, suggesting that proper selection of astrocyte coupling parameters can modulate neuronal behavior in the network. Simulation results support the idea that astrocytes can control network behaviors when coupling parameters have suitable values.
ANALOG INTEGRATED CIRCUITS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mark W. Sherwood, Stephane H. R. Oliet, Aude Panatier
Summary: NMDARs play a crucial role in coincidence detection during synaptic plasticity, with astrocytes regulating the availability of co-agonists to influence synaptic plasticity. The unique morphology and spatial arrangement of astrocytes allows them to integrate information from unrelated synapses at the synaptic level simultaneously.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Hideki Hayashi, Ichiro Horinokita, Yuji Yamada, Keisuke Hamada, Norio Takagi, Motoyoshi Nomizu
Summary: Peptides derived from laminin, specifically AG73 and C16, show superior cell attachment and neurite extension activities for rat neural stem/progenitor cells (NPCs) compared to other peptides. They support the growth of neurons and astrocytes differentiated from NPCs, with C16 also promoting the expression of neuronal markers. These peptides have potential as valuable biomaterials for NPC research.
EXPERIMENTAL CELL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hagar Bauminger, Inna Gaisler-Salomon
Summary: This study discusses the role of glutamate homeostasis in schizophrenia-related cognitive dysfunction. They focus on cognitive domains that can be measured in humans and rodents, and discuss the relevance of glutamate alterations in these domains. They find that the interaction between astrocytes and neurons is crucial for cognition, and that presynaptic and postsynaptic components play a critical role in maintaining glutamate homeostasis and cognitive well-being.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Tetsuya Takano, Scott H. Soderling
Summary: Astrocytes play a critical role in the architecture and activity of neuronal circuits through forming a tripartite synapse with neurons. Dysfunction in tripartite synaptic connections is implicated in various psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Recent advancements in transcriptome profiling and proteomic approaches have provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms by which astrocytes control synaptogenesis in the brain.
NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(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
Cell Biology
Sarra Djemil, Claire R. Ressel, Mai Abdel-Ghani, Amanda K. Schneeweis, Daniel T. S. Pak
Summary: The study utilized an optimized primary septal-hippocampal co-culture system to generate developmentally mature cholinergic synapses, which mimicked the molecular composition and physiological properties of in vivo counterparts. This co-culture system will facilitate research on the formation, plasticity, and dysfunction of central mammalian cholinergic synapses.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Ewelina Kurtys, Cindy Casteels, Caroline C. Real, Ulrich L. M. Eisel, J. Martin Verkuyl, Laus M. Broersen, Hans C. Klein, Rudi A. J. O. Dierckx, Janine Doorduin, Erik F. J. de Vries
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2019)
Review
Cell Biology
Emma Flanagan, Daniel Lamport, Lorraine Brennan, Philip Burnet, Vittorio Calabrese, Stephen C. Cunnane, Martijn C. de Wilde, Louise Dye, Jonathan A. Farrimond, Nancy Emerson Lombardo, Tobias Hartmann, Thomas Hartung, Marko Kalliomaki, Gunther G. Kuhnle, Giorgio La Fata, Aleix Sala-Vila, Cecilia Samieri, A. David Smith, Jeremy P. E. Spencer, Sandrine Thuret, Kieran Tuohy, Silvia Turroni, Wim Vanden Berghe, Martin Verkuijl, Karin Verzijden, Mary Yannakoulia, Lucie Geurts, David Vauzour
AGEING RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2020)
Article
Cell Biology
Andrea Goudriaan, Maarten Loos, Sabine Spijker, August B. Smit, Mark H. G. Verheijen
Article
Developmental Biology
Ammee A. D. Gala, Himanshu Kumar, Sagar Sedani, Nicola Openshaw-Lawrence, Jan Martin Verkuijl, Nicola Glogowski, Adam Steingold, Vennila Ponnusamy, Georgia Ekitzidou, Ping Yip, Isabell Nessel, Adina T. T. Michael-Titus, Guus Roeselers, Divyen K. K. Shah
Summary: This study investigated the effects of HIE and TH on the gut microbiome in term neonates and found that the microbiota composition was altered in newborns undergoing TH for HIE.
DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Aina Badia-Soteras, Janneke de Vries, Werner Dykstra, Laus M. Broersen, Jan Martin Verkuyl, August B. Smit, Mark H. G. Verheijen
Summary: Astrocytes are specialized glial cells that respond to central nervous system insults through reactive astrogliosis. Fortasyn Connect (FC) has shown promising effects in maintaining neuronal function and cognitive performance in early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Studies suggest that FC may reduce astrocyte reactivity by promoting neuronal survival and synaptogenesis, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear.
Article
Neurosciences
Aina Badia-Soteras, Tim S. Heistek, Mandy S. J. Kater, Aline Mak, Adrian Negrean, Michel C. van den Oever, Huibert D. Mansvelder, Baljit S. Khakh, Rogier Min, August B. Smit, Mark H. G. Verheijen
Summary: The formation and retrieval of fear memories depend on the synaptic activity of neuronal ensembles in the hippocampus, and astrocytes play a central role in shaping cellular memory representations. Astrocyte leaflets fine-tune synaptic activity by clearing neurotransmitters and limiting glutamate diffusion. The withdrawal of astrocyte leaflets from the synaptic cleft is an experience-induced process that gates the strength of fear memories.
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Darshan Sapkota, Mandy S. J. Kater, Kristina Sakers, Kayla R. Nygaard, Yating Liu, Sarah K. Koester, Stuart B. Fass, Allison M. Lake, Rohan Khazanchi, Rana R. Khankan, Mitchell C. Krawczyk, August B. Smit, Susan E. Maloney, Mark H. G. Verheijen, Ye Zhang, Joseph D. Dougherty
Summary: Neuronal activity can regulate transcriptional and translational responses in astrocytes, providing an additional mechanism for astrocytes to dynamically modulate nervous system functioning.
Article
Neurosciences
Orli Thau-Zuchman, Patrick N. Pallier, Paul J. M. Savelkoul, Almar A. M. Kuipers, J. Martin Verkuyl, Adina T. Michael-Titus
Summary: Phenylketonuria is an inborn error of metabolism that can lead to white matter damage. This study found that exposure to high phenylalanine concentrations can induce microglial activation and significant disruption of myelin.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Mandy S. J. Kater, Christiaan F. M. Huffels, Takuya Oshima, Niek S. Renckens, Jinte Middeldorp, Erik W. G. M. Boddeke, August B. Smit, Bart J. L. Eggen, Elly M. Hol, Mark H. G. Verheijen
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is characterized by cognitive decline, amyloid-beta plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles. This study shows that early activation of microglia contributes to synaptic dysfunction and cognitive impairment in a mouse model of increased amyloidosis. Inhibition of microglial activity with minocycline prevents gliosis, synaptic deficits, and cognitive impairments, highlighting the importance of early-stage prevention of microglial activation in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Mandy S. J. Kater, Aina Badia-Soteras, Jan R. T. van Weering, August B. Smit, Mark H. G. Verheijen
Summary: We used electron microscopy to investigate the interaction between astrocytes (AST) and synapses. We found that fear memory-induced synaptic activation reduces the interaction between AST and the presynapse, accompanied by retraction of the AST tip from the synaptic cleft. Interestingly, this retraction is absent in the APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, supporting the concept that alterations in AST-synapse coverage contribute to memory processing.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Mandy S. J. Kater, Katharina F. Baumgart, Aina Badia-Soteras, Tim S. Heistek, Karen E. Carney, A. Jacob Timmerman, Jan R. T. van Weering, August B. Smit, Marjo S. van der Knaap, Huibert D. Mansvelder, Mark H. G. Verheijen, Rogier Min
Summary: Loss of function of the astrocyte membrane protein MLC1 is the main cause of Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy with subcortical Cysts (MLC), a rare white matter disease characterized by disrupted brain ion and water balance. MLC1 has been found to be present in astrocyte processes that closely interact with excitatory synapses, and its loss affects synaptic transmission, structural plasticity, and fear memory. This study uncovers a new role for MLC1 in regulating astrocyte-synapse interactions.
Review
Neurosciences
Sophie H. Lee, Aline Mak, Mark H. G. Verheijen
Summary: Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) have become a popular method in neuroscience for studying the functional aspects of astrocyte activity, particularly G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR)-mediated intracellular calcium dynamics and cyclic adenosine monophosphate dynamics. This method allows for a direct link between astrocytic function and cognitive processes such as memory.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Boushra Dalile, Curie Kim, Andy Challinor, Lucie Geurts, Eileen R. Gibney, Marcelo Galdos, Giorgio La Fata, Sophie Laye, John C. Mathers, David Vauzour, J. Martin Verkuyl, Sandrine Thuret
Summary: This review assesses the evidence for the impact of diet on cognitive function and finds that the current evidence base is weak with mixed conclusions. Long-term intervention and prospective cohort studies are needed to fill this knowledge gap and revise dietary recommendations for maintaining healthy cognitive function across the life course.
LANCET PLANETARY HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Orli Thau-Zuchman, Linda Svendsen, Simon C. Dyall, Ursula Paredes-Esquivel, Molly Rhodes, John Priestley, Rene G. Feichtinger, Barbara Kofler, Susanne Lotstra, J. Martin Verkuyl, Robert J. Hageman, Laus M. Broersen, Nick van Wijk, Jose P. Silva, Jordi L. Tremoleda, Adina T. Michael-Titus
Summary: The new ketogenic diet (KD) with a ratio of 2:1 of fat to carbohydrate plus protein showed neuroprotective potential in adult traumatic brain injury (TBI). It significantly improved sensorimotor deficits and spatial memory, reduced lesion size, inflammation, oxidation, and oligodendrocyte loss. The new formulation demonstrated therapeutic potential in adult TBI by enhancing the mTOR pathway and histone modifications.