Heterogeneous astrocytes: Active players in CNS

Hu, Xiangyou; Yuan, Yihang; Wang, Dan; Su, Zhida

doi:10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.03.017

Cited by 56 publications

(43 citation statements)

References 294 publications

(281 reference statements)

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“…Alteration in astrocyte functions could contribute to AD processes; namely, synaptic loss, neurodegeneration, amyloid deposition and tangle formation. Indeed, it is found that regional specificity, initially considered to be a neuronal phenomenon, also applies to astrocytes (10,11).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Astrocytic transporters in Alzheimer's disease

Ugbode

Whalley

et al. 2017

Biochemical Journal

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Astrocytes play a fundamental role in maintaining the health and function of the central nervous system. Increasing evidence indicates that astrocytes undergo both cellular and molecular changes at an early stage in neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). These changes may reflect a change from a neuroprotective to a neurotoxic phenotype. Given the lack of current disease-modifying therapies for AD, astrocytes have become an interesting and viable target for therapeutic intervention. The astrocyte transport system covers a diverse array of proteins involved in metabolic support, neurotransmission and synaptic architecture. Therefore, specific targeting of individual transporter families has the potential to suppress neurodegeneration, a characteristic hallmark of AD. A small number of the 400 transporter superfamilies are expressed in astrocytes, with evidence highlighting a fraction of these are implicated in AD. Here, we review the current evidence for six astrocytic transporter subfamilies involved in AD, as reported in both animal and human studies. This review confirms that astrocytes are indeed a viable target, highlights the complexities of studying astrocytes and provides future directives to exploit the potential of astrocytes in tackling AD.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Astrocytic transporters in Alzheimer's disease

Ugbode

Whalley

et al. 2017

Biochemical Journal

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“…The fact that astrocytes differentially express certain proteins (e.g., receptors, enzymes, channels, etc.) depending on the brain area and the physiological or pathophysiological conditions to which they are subjected raises questions regarding the current definition and classification of astroglial cells (22). Growing evidence indicates that astrocytes are vastly heterogeneous (23–28).…”

Section: Classification Of Non-neuronal Cells In the Brainmentioning

confidence: 99%

Non-Neuronal Cells in the Hypothalamic Adaptation to Metabolic Signals

et al. 2017

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Although the brain is composed of numerous cell types, neurons have received the vast majority of attention in the attempt to understand how this organ functions. Neurons are indeed fundamental but, in order for them to function correctly, they rely on the surrounding “non-neuronal” cells. These different cell types, which include glia, epithelial cells, pericytes, and endothelia, supply essential substances to neurons, in addition to protecting them from dangerous substances and situations. Moreover, it is now clear that non-neuronal cells can also actively participate in determining neuronal signaling outcomes. Due to the increasing problem of obesity in industrialized countries, investigation of the central control of energy balance has greatly increased in attempts to identify new therapeutic targets. This has led to interesting advances in our understanding of how appetite and systemic metabolism are modulated by non-neuronal cells. For example, not only are nutrients and hormones transported into the brain by non-neuronal cells, but these cells can also metabolize these metabolic factors, thus modifying the signals reaching the neurons. The hypothalamus is the main integrating center of incoming metabolic and hormonal signals and interprets this information in order to control appetite and systemic metabolism. Hence, the factors transported and released from surrounding non-neuronal cells will undoubtedly influence metabolic homeostasis. This review focuses on what is known to date regarding the involvement of different cell types in the transport and metabolism of nutrients and hormones in the hypothalamus. The possible involvement of non-neuronal cells, in particular glial cells, in physiopathological outcomes of poor dietary habits and excess weight gain are also discussed.

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“…The increase in size and complexity will undoubtedly have an effect on the synaptic coverage and potentially on the function of a single astrocyte; thus affecting networks of neurons and their circuit integration (Heller and Rusakov, 2015; Hu et al, 2016). This indicates that human astrocytes act upon synaptic function in exceptional ways that cannot be examined solely using non-primate experimental models.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human astrocytes are distinct contributors to the complexity of synaptic function

Krencik

Asperen

Ullian

2017

Brain Research Bulletin

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Cellular components of synaptic circuits have been adjusted for increased human brain size, neural cell density, energy consumption and developmental duration. How does the human brain make these accommodations? There is evidence that astrocytes are one of the most divergent neural cell types in primate brain evolution and it is now becoming clear that they have critical roles in controlling synaptic development, function and plasticity. Yet, we still do not know how the precise developmental appearance of these cells and subsequent astrocyte-derived signals modulate diverse neuronal circuit subtypes. Here, we discuss what is currently known about the influence of glial factors on synaptic maturation and focus on unique features of human astrocytes including their potential roles in regenerative and translational medicine. Human astrocyte distinctiveness may be a major contributor to high level neuronal processing of the human brain and act in novel ways during various neuropathies ranging from autism spectrum disorders, viral infection, injury and neurodegenerative conditions.

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Heterogeneous astrocytes: Active players in CNS

Cited by 56 publications

References 294 publications

Astrocytic transporters in Alzheimer's disease

Astrocytic transporters in Alzheimer's disease

Non-Neuronal Cells in the Hypothalamic Adaptation to Metabolic Signals

Human astrocytes are distinct contributors to the complexity of synaptic function

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