Assessment of cholesterol homeostasis in astrocytes and neurons

Jing Chen, Lucio G. Costa, Marina Guizzetti

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cholesterol homeostasis is highly regulated in the nervous system; dysregulation in cholesterol trafficking and content have been involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases). Furthermore, low cholesterol levels during brain development are associated with neurodevelopmental deficits and mental retardation. The methods described in this chapter can be used to investigate the effect of neurotoxicants on cholesterol homeostasis. Astrocytes and neurons are two major cell types in the brain in which cholesterol synthesis and efflux are highly regulated to keep a proper cellular cholesterol level. Disruption in cholesterol synthesis and/or cholesterol efflux may result in cholesterol deficiency or accumulation in these cells leading to brain dysfunctions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationIn Vitro Neurotoxicology
Subtitle of host publicationMethods and Protocols
PublisherHumana Press Inc.
Pages403-414
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)9781617791697
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameMethods in Molecular Biology
Volume758
ISSN (Print)1064-3745

Keywords

  • Cholesterol efflux
  • Cholesterol synthesis
  • Primary cortical astrocytes
  • Primary cortical neurons
  • Thin layer chromatography

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

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