Astrocytes are crucial cells in the brain that are intimately coupled with neuronal metabolism. A new paper from San Martín provides evidence that physiological levels of the gaseous signal molecule NO can rapidly and reversibly increase astrocyte metabolism of glucose and production of lactate. A proposed neurological coupling-from the potential source of NO, endothelial cells, to the potential beneficiary from the lactate, neurons-prompts new questions regarding the controversial role of lactate in the brain.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5454123 | PMC |
http://dx.doi.org/10.1074/jbc.H117.777243 | DOI Listing |
Adv Sci (Weinh)
January 2025
Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth Systems, Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education/Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Qingdao/Sanya, 266003/572024, China.
The scarcity of effective neuroprotective agents and the presence of blood-brain barrier (BBB)-mediated extremely inefficient intracerebral drug delivery are predominant obstacles to the treatment of cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS). Herein, ROS-responsive borneol-based amphiphilic polymeric NPs are constructed by using traditional Chinese medicine borneol as functional blocks that served as surface brain-targeting ligand, inner hydrophobic core for efficient drug loading of membrane-permeable calcium chelator BAPTA-AM, and neuroprotective structural component. In MCAO mice, the nanoformulation (polymer: 3.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCancer Discov
January 2025
School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.
Priego and colleagues identify a secreted glycoprotein TIMP1, expressed downstream of the transcription factor STAT3, in a subpopulation of STAT3+ reactive astrocytes as a mediator of immunosuppression in late-stage brain metastases. The STAT3 inhibitor silibinin enhances the preclinical efficacy of the combined PD-1/CTLA4 immune checkpoint blockade, providing a rationale to translate the combination therapy into clinical use for this underserved patient group with poor prognosis. See related article by Priego et al.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFExp Eye Res
January 2025
State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China. Electronic address:
Currently, research on optic nerve injury predominantly focuses on the retina and optic nerve, but emerging evidence suggests that optic nerve injury also affects advanced visual structures like the superior colliculus (SC) and primary visual cortex (V1 region). However, the exact mechanisms have not been fully explored. This study aims to investigate the characteristics and mechanisms of pathology in the SC and V1 region after optic nerve crush (ONC) to deepen our understanding of the central mechanism of visual injury.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGlia
January 2025
State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science and Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.
Astrocytes are the most abundant type of macroglia in the brain and play crucial roles in regulating neural development and functions. The diverse functions of astrocytes are largely determined by their morphology, which is regulated by genetic and environmental factors. However, whether and how the astrocyte morphology is affected by temperature remains largely unknown.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNat Cell Biol
January 2025
Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Glioblastoma (GBM) is defined by heterogeneous and resilient cell populations that closely reflect neurodevelopmental cell types. Although it is clear that GBM echoes early and immature cell states, identifying the specific developmental programmes disrupted in these tumours has been hindered by a lack of high-resolution trajectories of glial and neuronal lineages. Here we delineate the course of human astrocyte maturation to uncover discrete developmental stages and attributes mirrored by GBM.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!