Astrocytes are multifaceted glial cell types that perform structural, functional, metabolic, and homeostatic roles in the brain. Recent studies have revealed mechanisms underlying the diversity of bidirectional communication modes between astrocytes and neurons - the fundamental organizing principle shaping synaptic properties at tripartite synapses. These astrocyte-neuron interactions are critical for the proper functioning of synapses and neural circuits. This review focuses on molecular mechanisms that direct these interactions, highlighting the versatile roles of multiple adhesion-based paths that likely modulate them, often in a context-dependent manner. It also describes how astrocyte-mediated processes go awry in certain brain disorders and provides a timely insight on the pivotal roles of astrocyte-neuron interactions in synaptic integrity and their relevance to understanding and treating neurological disorders.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tcb.2024.05.002 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Lactate: Beyond a mere fuel in the epileptic brain.
Neuropharmacology
December 2024
Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China. Electronic address:
Epilepsy, a prevalent neurological disorder characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures, significantly impacts physiological and cognitive functions. Emerging evidence suggests a crucial role for metabolic factors, particularly lactate, in epilepsy. We discuss the applicability of the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS) model during acute seizure events and examine lactate's metabolic adaptation in epilepsy progression.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA Novel Astrocyte-Neuron Interaction to Control Complex Animal Behavior.
Neurosci Bull
December 2024
Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
Ezrin-mediated astrocyte-synapse signaling regulates cognitive function via astrocyte morphological changes in fine processes in male mice.
Brain Behav Immun
November 2024
Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. Electronic address:
Article Synopsis
- Astrocytes, which have a spongy structure and play a role in cognitive processes, show changes in their morphology related to learning and cognitive impairments, with a focus on the protein Ezrin.
- Increased Ezrin expression and astrocyte fine process volume were found in the hippocampus of male mice after learning, while both declined with factors like lipopolysaccharide injection or cognitive dysfunction.
- Knocking out Ezrin in astrocytes led to reduced fine process volume and worsened cognitive functions, indicating that Ezrin helps maintain astrocyte-synapse interactions essential for proper cognitive function.
Neuron-Glial Interactions: Implications for Plasticity, Behavior, and Cognition.
J Neurosci
October 2024
Division of Neuroscience and Basic Behavioral Sciences, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20852.
Article Synopsis
- Astrophyses are crucial for memory processes and learning, with their activity linked to synaptic function and cognitive abilities, while other glial cells like microglia and oligodendrocytes also play significant roles in shaping these processes.
- Recent technological advancements have improved our understanding of glial functions, highlighting the need for more research on neuron-glia interactions and their implications for brain health and neurological diseases.
Progress of Astrocyte-Neuron Crosstalk in Central Nervous System Diseases.
Neurochem Res
December 2024
Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Mailbox 207, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China.
Neurons are the primary cells responsible for information processing in the central nervous system (CNS). However, they are vulnerable to damage and insult in a variety of neurological disorders. As the most abundant glial cells in the brain, astrocytes provide crucial support to neurons and participate in synapse formation, synaptic transmission, neurotransmitter recycling, regulation of metabolic processes, and the maintenance of the blood-brain barrier integrity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!