Astrocytes conspire with neurons during progression of neurological disease

James C. McGann, Daniel T. Lioy, Gail Mandel

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

38 Scopus citations

Abstract

As astrocytes are becoming recognized as important mediators of normal brain function, studies into their roles in neurological disease have gained significance. Across mouse models for neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, astrocytes are considered key regulators of disease progression. In Rett syndrome and Parkinson's disease, astrocytes can even initiate certain disease phenotypes. Numerous potential mechanisms have been offered to explain these results, but research into the functions of astrocytes in disease is just beginning. Crucially, in vivo verification of in vitro data is still necessary, as well as a deeper understanding of the complex and relatively unexplored interactions between astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and neurons.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)850-858
Number of pages9
JournalCurrent Opinion in Neurobiology
Volume22
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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