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astrocytes

·July 8, 2020·4 min read

Astrocytes Shed Light on the Link Between Cannabis Use and Sociability

Exposing mice to THC, researchers noted persistent activation of mitochondrial cannabinoid receptors located within astrocytes resulted in a cascade of molecular processing that led to dysfunctional glucose metabolism. The ability of astrocytes to transform glucose into "food" for neurons was reduced. The reduction resulted in a compromise in neural function, with a harmful impact on behavior. Specifically, social interactions were reduced for 24 hours post cannabis exposure.

Featured Genetics Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 24, 2020·3 min read

Genetic malfunction of brain astrocytes triggers migraine

Familial hemiplegic migraine type 2 (FHM2) causes a malfunction of astrocytes in the cingulate cortex. Manipulating astrocytes in the cingulate cortex reversed the disfunction, preventing an increase in migraine-like symptoms in mice carrying the FHM2 defect.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·June 24, 2020·6 min read

One-time treatment generates new neurons and eliminates Parkinson’s disease

Researchers administered PTB antisense oligonucleotide treatment directly to the midbrain of mice. In the mouse models exposed to the treatment, a small subset of astrocytes converted to neurons, increasing the number of neurons by 30%. Three months after treatment, mice were completely free of Parkinson's disease symptoms and remained in remission for the rest of their lives.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 18, 2020·3 min read

Clear signs of brain injury with severe COVID-19

Some coronavirus patients exhibit clinical and neurochemical signs of brain injury associated with the viral infection. COVID-19 patients who required ventilation had increased plasma NfL levels. The higher NfL concentration levels were linked to the severity of infection.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 13, 2020·4 min read

Brain cells can harbor and spread HIV virus to the body

Astrocytes harbor HIV and spread the virus to CD4+ T cells that traffic the virus out of the brain and into other organs. HIV moves via this route, even when the virus is suppressed with cART.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·June 11, 2020·3 min read

Adult stem cell study shows fish oil may help with depression

Using patient-derived adult stem cells, researchers found fish oil created an antidepressant response.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·May 19, 2020·2 min read

Animal study shows human brain cells repair damage in multiple sclerosis

Human iPSCs transplanted into animal models of multiple sclerosis help repair cell damage and restore function.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 27, 2020·2 min read

Reducing early brain inflammation could slow Alzheimer’s progression

Reducing neuroinflammation in the brain before cognitive impairment becomes apparent can help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·April 24, 2020·3 min read

Adult astrocytes are key to learning and memory

Mice deficient in the NFIA gene presented astrocytes with defective shapes and altered functions in the hippocampus.

Brain Cancer Electrophysiology Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 6, 2020·4 min read

Brain tumors impact normally helpful cells

Glioma brain tumors alter the function of astrocytes, possibly contributing to seizures many brain cancer patients experience. Astrocytes encasing gliomas exhibit different molecular signatures based on their proximity to the cancer cells. Those directly touching the cancer cells become elongated and swollen, mimicking the astrocyte's response to other epilepsy-related brain injuries.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 30, 2020·2 min read

How stress remodels the brain

A single, stressful event causes rapid and long-lasting retraction of astrocyte branches. Stress induces this change by halting the production of GluA1.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 16, 2020·4 min read

New research on brain structure highlights cells linked to Alzheimer’s and autism

Astrocytes are not uniform, as previously believed, but take distinct molecular forms depending on their location in the cerebral cortex. Astrocytes also organize in layers in similar ways to neurons.