All articles tagged with #astrocytes
Researchers have identified over 150 DNA control signals in brain cells called astrocytes that may influence Alzheimer's disease, using CRISPRi to study enhancer regions in non-coding DNA, which could lead to new insights and potential treatments for the disease.
Research shows that delivering the protein pleiotrophin (Ptn) to astrocytes in the brain can reverse neural connection and activity changes in mouse models of Down syndrome, suggesting potential for future therapies targeting brain wiring in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Scientists at Cedars-Sinai discovered a new role for astrocytes, called lesion-remote astrocytes (LRAs), which communicate with immune cells to clear debris and promote repair in spinal cord injuries, potentially leading to new treatments for neurological diseases.
The study identifies astrocyte-secreted CCN1 as a key factor in maintaining neural circuit stability in the adult brain, particularly in the visual cortex, by regulating synaptic maturation, inhibitory neuron development, and oligodendrocyte maturation, thereby restricting plasticity and preserving functional connectivity.
The study reveals that lesion-remote astrocytes (LRAs) in the injured spinal cord adopt distinct molecular states that regulate microglia-mediated white matter repair, primarily through CCN1 secretion, which influences microglial lipid metabolism, debris clearance, and neurological recovery. Loss of astrocyte-derived CCN1 impairs debris clearance and functional recovery, positioning LRAs as key orchestrators in CNS repair processes.
Recent research reveals that astrocytes, once considered support cells, play crucial roles in shaping behavior, memory, and health by regulating the environment around neurons, influencing brain functions such as circadian rhythms and memory encoding, and potentially contributing to neurological diseases.
A study in mice shows that increasing the protein Sox9 reactivates brain cells' cleanup functions, reducing Alzheimer's-like plaques and improving memory, suggesting a potential new treatment approach targeting brain maintenance cells called astrocytes.
A study in mice shows that increasing the protein Sox9 reactivates brain cells' cleaning functions, reducing Alzheimer's-like plaques and improving memory, suggesting a potential new treatment approach targeting brain maintenance cells called astrocytes.
Scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered that free radicals produced in astrocytes' mitochondria contribute to dementia, and blocking these radicals with targeted compounds reduced inflammation and protected neurons in animal models, opening new avenues for treatment.
The article discusses how mitochondrial complex III-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) in astrocytes amplify immune and metabolic changes that contribute to dementia pathology, highlighting the role of specific signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets.
New research shows that astrocytes, not neurons, are key to stabilizing emotional memories by being biologically tagged with adrenoreceptors after intense experiences, and re-engaging during recall. Manipulating these astrocytes affects memory stability and fear responses, opening potential therapeutic avenues for PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
A recent study reveals that astrocytes, a type of brain cell previously thought to support neurons, actively stabilize long-term emotional memories, suggesting new targets for treating memory-related conditions like PTSD and Alzheimer's disease.
A new study identifies excess GABA produced by astrocytes via MAOB enzyme as a key factor in PTSD, and demonstrates that the MAOB inhibitor KDS2010 can reverse PTSD-like symptoms in mice, opening new avenues for glial-targeted therapies in humans.
A study from MIT reveals that astrocytes use the protein Gat3 to regulate ambient GABA levels, which is crucial for coordinating neuronal activity and encoding visual information. Knocking out Gat3 in mice's visual cortex disrupted neural ensemble synchronization and impaired information processing, providing insights into how astrocytes influence brain function and potential links to neurological disorders.
New research using computational models and machine learning reveals that astrocytes, previously thought to be support cells, actively influence brain network dynamics, especially during synchronized states crucial for functions like memory and sleep, suggesting a more prominent role in brain function and potential therapeutic targets.