Are astrocytes the key to understanding neurodegenerative disease?

Dr. Shane Liddelow is an associate professor of Neuroscience, Physiology and Ophthalmology at New York University.

Reactive astrocytes are a diverse group of glial cells in the brain that respond to injury, infection, and disease. Recent research has highlighted the heterogeneity of these cells, showing that they can adopt various states and functions depending that is both temporarily and spatially context dependent. This diversity is crucial because different types of reactive astrocytes can either support neuronal survival and repair or contribute to neurodegeneration. 

A new significant discovery is that astrocytes form intricate networks throughout the forebrain. These networks facilitate communication and coordination among astrocytes, influencing their collective behavior and impact on the brain’s health. Understanding these networks and the specific roles of different astrocyte subtypes offers potential therapeutic targets for treating a wide range of neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases.

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Hosted by Dr. Husniye Kantarci

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