Astrocytes’ innate role in neurodegenerative disorders

Abstract

Background Central nervous system (CNS) astrocytes have various functions in the central nervous system (CNS). Many neurodegenerative diseases are associated with astrocyte dysfunction. Main body of the abstract Undoubtedly, astrocytes play a crucial role in neurogenesis and synaptogenesis by controlling the intercellular permeability of the blood–brain barrier and maintaining the homeostasis of the extracellular space. Regarding nerve damage, mature astrocytes are divided into A1 and A2 astrocytes. The supportive patterns of reactive astrocytes can be converted into toxic patterns and eventually lead to the development of neurological diseases. Alterations of neurotransmitters, cell communication, receptors, and signaling pathways, especially in the site of inflammation, secretion of inflammatory factors, secretion of growth factors, protein deposition, ion homeostasis, and finally, changes in the size and number of astrocytes are among the most important pathogenic alterations in astrocytes. Astrocytes also exhibit considerable heterogeneity due to the developmental mechanisms they follow and stimulus-specific cellular responses influenced by CNS location, cell–cell interactions, and other factors. Short conclusion In recent years, biomolecular advances have led to a better understanding of astrocyte function, allowing them to be considered a therapeutic target in healthy and diseased individuals. Understanding the interactions between astrocytes and other cells will improve our knowledge of the regulation of astrocyte function in homeostasis and new therapeutic targets in future studies.

AhR Agonistic Components in Urban Particulate Matter Regulate Astrocytic Activation and Function

“…Concerning potential disturbance of SRM1648a in the neurotrophic function of astrocytes, two biomarkers, i.e., Gdnf and Ngf , , were analyzed, and the results showed that the transcript level of Ngf was significantly increased in all exposure groups ( p < 0.01 or 0.001), while that of Gdnf was significantly increased only in 25 mg/L exposure group ( p < 0.05, Figure B).…”

“…A2 astrocytes can act as neuroprotectors and secret neurotrophic factors, like GDNF and NGF. 19,20 These two biomarkers are important for the survival, maintenance, and regeneration of specific neuronal populations, 31 and the induction of their expressions is correlated with the improvement of neuronal plasticity, synapse formation, neurological reconstruction, and neural functions after injury. 32 The further finding on the upregulation of Gdnf and Ngf herein (Figure 2B) confirmed the consistent response from A2 reactive astrocytes.…”