Astrocytes derived from pluripotent stem cells of bipolar patients provide suboptimal support for neural activity. The malfunction can be traced to the inflammation-promoting molecule, interleukin-6.
Astrocytes in the striatum appear to play a critical role in stuttering. Researchers found treatment with risperidone helped reduce stuttering by increasing the metabolism of striatal astrocytes.
ApoE4, a gene associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, also appears to increase susceptibility and the severity of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for coronavirus, increased susceptibility to COVID-19 in ApoE4 neurons and astrocytes in brain organoid models.
Post mortem tissue samples of people with depression revealed a lower number of astrocytes in the brain. The findings add to the growing body of literature that implicates astrocytes in depression pathology.
A newly discovered microbiome-controlled anti-inflammatory subset of astrocytes helps researchers better understand inflammation of the central nervous system and its regulation.
Astrocytes, not microglia, are responsible for constantly eliminating unnecessary and excessive adult synaptic connections in response to brain activity.
Study identifies a pathway involving astrocytes that help explain why some with multiple sclerosis experience seizures.
Study sheds light on the brain chemistry involved in attention loss when a person drinks alcohol.
A new drug can lure stem cells to damaged tissue and locations, improving treatment efficacy. The drug could be used to help recruit stem cells to sites damaged by neurodegenerative diseases.
Astrocytes are involved in regulating inhibitory synapses by binding to neurons through the NrCAM adhesion molecule.
Astrocytes play a vital role in maintaining the pH balance within the brain.
Astrocytes respond to cocaine exposure in the brains of mice by promoting the formation of new synapses.