astrocytes

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astrocytes

·April 28, 2022·5 min read

New Function Performed by Nearly Half of Brain Cells Discovered

The release of potassium ions from neurons charges the electrical activity of astrocytes, allowing for the control of neurotransmission. The astrocyte-neuron crosstalk raises questions as to how the interaction works in brain pathology and the implications for memory and learning.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·April 21, 2022·4 min read

Some Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms Linked to Astrocytes

Abnormalities in astrocytes may play a critical role in some of the behavioral symptoms experienced by those with autism.

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·March 19, 2022·5 min read

New Strategy Reduces Brain Damage in PSP, Alzheimer’s, and Related Disorders in Mice

Alpha2-NKA, a protein that drives toxicity in astrocytes, was discovered in higher levels of brain samples from people who died of PSP, Alzheimer's and other tau-related neurodegenerative disorders. Treatment with an FDA-approved drug called digoxin may suppress the inflamed astrocytes and halt disease progression for those with tauopathy disorders.

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Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·March 10, 2022·4 min read

Motor Neuron Toxin Associated With ALS Identified

PolyP, an inorganic polyphosphate released by astrocytes in people with ALS and frontotemporal dementia contributes to the signature motor neuron death associated with the disease pathologies.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·March 8, 2022·4 min read

Astrocyte Networks in the Mouse Brain Control Spatial Learning and Memory

In the brains of adult mice, astrocytes coupling contributes to neural functioning in the hippocampus, an area of the brain associated with spatial memory and learning.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 9, 2022·5 min read

Astrocytes Display Unique Activity Patterns

Astrocytes may play a significant role in information processing and memory, a new study reports.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·January 19, 2022·6 min read

Astrocyte Studies Reveal Harmful Changes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

In patients with ALS, astrocytes within the brain become pro-inflammatory and tend to lose their protective function, resulting in changes in the ability to uptake glutamate.

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience

·October 25, 2021·4 min read

Call and Response Circuit Tells Neurons When to Grow Synapses

A new study reveals the mechanisms by which neurons and astrocytes work together to form synapses.

Featured Genetics Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 15, 2021·3 min read

Stem Cells Model Genetic Risk for Developing Alzheimer’s Disease

Stem cell study reveals astrocytes carrying the Alzheimer's associated APOE4 gene release more cholesterol than those carrying the APOE3 gene. Findings shed light on how different versions of the APOE gene in astrocytes influence amyloid-beta production and how the oversupply of cholesterol associated with APOE4 astrocytes may promote amyloid-beta formation in Alzheimer's patients.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 14, 2021·4 min read

Cholesterol Drives Alzheimer’s Plaque Formation

Cholesterol produced by astrocytes in the brain is required for the production of amyloid-beta. The findings shed light on how and why amyloid-beta forms, and may explain why genes associated with cholesterol have been implicated as risk factors for Alzheimer's disease.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·September 2, 2021·5 min read

Many of the Fastest-Evolving Human Genes Linked to Evolutionary Changes in Brain Development

Almost half of the identified human accelerated regions of the genome appear to act as neurodevelopment enhancers, researchers say. The findings shed new light on the genetic basis of human evolution.