Yin Yang 1 controls cerebellar astrocyte maturation.

Diverse subpopulations of astrocytes tile different brain regions to accommodate local requirements of neurons and associated neuronal circuits. Nevertheless, molecular mechanisms governing astrocyte diversity remain mostly unknown. We explored the role of a zinc finger transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) that is expressed in astrocytes.

The homeostatic function of Regnase-2 restricts neuroinflammation.

The precise physiological functions and mechanisms regulating RNase Regnase-2 (Reg-2/ZC3H12B/MCPIP2) activity remain enigmatic. We found that Reg-2 actively modulates neuroinflammation in nontransformed cells, including primary astrocytes. Downregulation of Reg-2 in these cells results in increased mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6.

Cellular inhibitor of apoptosis 2 (cIAP2) restricts neuroinflammation during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Background: Immune activation, neuroinflammation, and cell death are the hallmarks of multiple sclerosis (MS), which is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). It is well-documented that the cellular inhibitor of apoptosis 2 (cIAP2) is induced by inflammatory stimuli and regulates adaptive and innate immune responses, cell death, and the production of inflammatory mediators. However, the impact of cIAP2 on neuroinflammation associated with MS and disease severity remains unknown.

Neuronal contact upregulates astrocytic sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 to coordinate astrocyte-neuron cross communication.

Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells in the mammalian brain, directly associate with and regulate neuronal processes and synapses and are important regulators of brain development. Yet little is known of the molecular mechanisms that control the establishment of astrocyte morphology and the bi-directional communication between astrocytes and neurons. Here we show that neuronal contact stimulates expression of S1PR1, the receptor for the bioactive sphingolipid metabolite sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), on perisynaptic astrocyte processes and that S1PR1 drives astrocyte morphological complexity and morphogenesis.

RelB and Neuroinflammation.

Neuroinflammation within the central nervous system involves multiple cell types that coordinate their responses by secreting and responding to a plethora of inflammatory mediators. These factors activate multiple signaling cascades to orchestrate initial inflammatory response and subsequent resolution. Activation of NF-κB pathways in several cell types is critical during neuroinflammation.