Laura Trujillo-Estrada, Angela Gomez-Arboledas, Stefânia Forner, Alessandra Cadete Martini, Antonia Gutierrez, David Baglietto-Vargas* and Frank M. LaFerla* Pages 675 - 698 ( 24 )
Astrocytes are key cells for adequate brain formation and regulation of cerebral blood flow as well as for the maintenance of neuronal metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis and exocytosis, and synaptic transmission. Many of these functions are intrinsically related to neurodegeneration, allowing refocusing on the role of astrocytes in physiological and neurodegenerative states. Indeed, emerging evidence in the field indicates that abnormalities in the astrocytic function are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Huntington’s Disease (HD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). In the present review, we highlight the physiological role of astrocytes in the CNS, including their communication with other cells in the brain. Furthermore, we discuss exciting findings and novel experimental approaches that elucidate the role of astrocytes in multiple neurological disorders.
Astrocytes, neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, neuroinflammation.
Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, Department of Cell Biology, Genetic and Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Malaga, Malaga, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, Department of Cell Biology, Genetic and Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Malaga, Malaga, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4545