Astrocytes as master modulators of neural networks: Synaptic functions and disease-associated dysfunction of astrocytes.
Ann N Y Acad Sci
; 1525(1): 41-60, 2023 07.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37219367
ABSTRACT
Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cell type in the central nervous system and are essential to the development, plasticity, and maintenance of neural circuits. Astrocytes are heterogeneous, with their diversity rooted in developmental programs modulated by the local brain environment. Astrocytes play integral roles in regulating and coordinating neural activity extending far beyond their metabolic support of neurons and other brain cell phenotypes. Both gray and white matter astrocytes occupy critical functional niches capable of modulating brain physiology on time scales slower than synaptic activity but faster than those adaptive responses requiring a structural change or adaptive myelination. Given their many associations and functional roles, it is not surprising that astrocytic dysfunction has been causally implicated in a broad set of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. In this review, we focus on recent discoveries concerning the contributions of astrocytes to the function of neural networks, with a dual focus on the contribution of astrocytes to synaptic development and maturation, and on their role in supporting myelin integrity, and hence conduction and its regulation. We then address the emerging roles of astrocytic dysfunction in disease pathogenesis and on potential strategies for targeting these cells for therapeutic purposes.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Neuroglia
/
Astrócitos
Tipo de estudo:
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Ann N Y Acad Sci
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos