Glia as Functional Barriers and Signaling Intermediaries

Fernandes, Vilaiwan M.; Auld, Vanessa; Klämbt, Christian

doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a041423

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 103 publications

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“…The glia represents the biggest population of cells in the human brain, with 10 times more cells than the neurons [36,37]. These cells perform several pivotal functions such as energetic support for neurons [38][39][40], the formation of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) [41,42], the regulation of neurotransmitters [43][44][45], the development and remodeling of synapses [46][47][48], detoxification [49][50][51], the control of the fluid/electrolyte homeostasis [52], the control of metabolism [53,54], neuroendocrine function [55], innate immunity response [56,57], and myelination [58,59]. These functions confer on them a key role in maintaining homeostasis, the disruption of which can lead to neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases [59][60][61][62][63][64].…”

Section: Glial Cellsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Glial Cells as Molecular Target for Parkinson’s Disease

Soares,

Costa,

Ferrolho

et al. 2024

Cells

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Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability that also includes non-motor symptoms such as mood dysregulation. Dopamine (DA) is the primary neurotransmitter involved in this disease, but cholinergic imbalance has also been implicated. Current intervention in PD is focused on replenishing central DA, which provides remarkable temporary symptomatic relief but does not address neuronal loss and the progression of the disease. It has been well established that neuronal nicotinic cholinergic receptors (nAChRs) can regulate DA release and that nicotine itself may have neuroprotective effects. Recent studies identified nAChRs in nonneuronal cell types, including glial cells, where they may regulate inflammatory responses. Given the crucial role of neuroinflammation in dopaminergic degeneration and the involvement of microglia and astrocytes in this response, glial nAChRs may provide a novel therapeutic target in the prevention and/or treatment of PD. In this review, following a brief discussion of PD, we focus on the role of glial cells and, specifically, their nAChRs in PD pathology and/or treatment.

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Section: Glial Cellsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Glial Cells as Molecular Target for Parkinson’s Disease

Soares,

Costa,

Ferrolho

et al. 2024

Cells

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Roles of Epigenetics and Glial Cells in Drug-Induced Autism Spectrum Disorder

Csoka,

El Kouhen,

Bennani

et al. 2024

Biomolecules

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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe deficits in social communication and interaction, repetitive movements, abnormal focusing on objects, or activity that can significantly affect the quality of life of the afflicted. Neuronal and glial cells have been implicated. It has a genetic component but can also be triggered by environmental factors or drugs. For example, prenatal exposure to valproic acid or acetaminophen, or ingestion of propionic acid, can increase the risk of ASD. Recently, epigenetic influences on ASD have come to the forefront of investigations on the etiology, prevention, and treatment of this disorder. Epigenetics refers to DNA modifications that alter gene expression without making any changes to the DNA sequence. Although an increasing number of pharmaceuticals and environmental chemicals are being implicated in the etiology of ASD, here, we specifically focus on the molecular influences of the abovementioned chemicals on epigenetic alterations in neuronal and glial cells and their potential connection to ASD. We conclude that a better understanding of these phenomena can lead to more effective interventions in ASD.

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Role of Glial Cells in Neuronal Function, Mood Disorders, and Drug Addiction

Tizabi,

Getachew,

Hauser

et al. 2024

Brain Sciences

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Mood disorders and substance use disorder (SUD) are of immense medical and social concern. Although significant progress on neuronal involvement in mood and reward circuitries has been achieved, it is only relatively recently that the role of glia in these disorders has attracted attention. Detailed understanding of the glial functions in these devastating diseases could offer novel interventions. Here, following a brief review of circuitries involved in mood regulation and reward perception, the specific contributions of neurotrophic factors, neuroinflammation, and gut microbiota to these diseases are highlighted. In this context, the role of specific glial cells (e.g., microglia, astroglia, oligodendrocytes, and synantocytes) on phenotypic manifestation of mood disorders or SUD are emphasized. In addition, use of this knowledge in the potential development of novel therapeutics is touched upon.

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Glia as Functional Barriers and Signaling Intermediaries

Cited by 3 publications

References 103 publications

Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Glial Cells as Molecular Target for Parkinson’s Disease

Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Glial Cells as Molecular Target for Parkinson’s Disease

Roles of Epigenetics and Glial Cells in Drug-Induced Autism Spectrum Disorder

Role of Glial Cells in Neuronal Function, Mood Disorders, and Drug Addiction

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