Articles tagged with Astrocytes
Researchers have discovered that astrocytes become activated when their whiskers are stimulated, sending signals to the brain. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that astrocytes don't communicate much and suggests they may be part of everyday brain function.
Researchers developed a new type of immature support cell from embryonic glial stem cells that can regenerate nerve fibers and promote healing. The study showed over 60% of sensory nerve fibers regenerating and more than two-thirds growing through the injury site in rats.
Researchers developed a new type of stem cell that can repair spinal cord injuries by promoting nerve fiber growth and suppressing scar tissue. The transplanted cells restored function in rats with spinal cord injuries, allowing them to walk normally within two weeks.
Researchers discovered that astrocytes promote myelination by releasing leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in response to electrical impulses. This finding may lead to new treatments for demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have created a detailed map of the lateral wall of the subventricle zone, suggesting the potential existence of human brain stem cells. The discovery also reveals displaced ependymal cells that may be related to cancer or neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have discovered that astrocytes control blood flow in the brain, challenging the long-held assumption that neurons are the primary drivers. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of Alzheimer's disease, which may be more complex than previously thought.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified Wnt3 signaling molecules as crucial for controlling the fate of adult brain stem cells, leading to neuron differentiation. This finding has significant implications for regenerative medicine and our understanding of neurogenesis.
A recent Penn study found that astrocytes, a type of star-shaped glial cell, play a direct role in regulating communication between neurons. The study suggests that astrocytes modulate the level of adenosine, a signaling molecule involved in controlling wake-to-sleep transitions and epileptic seizures.
Researchers found that astrocytes can generate seizure activity by releasing the brain chemical glutamate, which hypes up neurons and causes them to fire uncontrollably. This discovery offers new hope for treating epilepsy by targeting overlooked brain cells instead of just reducing brain function.
Researchers discovered defects in astrocytes, crucial support cells for brain health, in a patient with vanishing white matter disease. The study sheds light on the disease's mechanisms and may lead to treatment development.
Researchers found that K-RAS activation is a key factor in the development of tumors in neurofibromatosis 1. The study suggests that targeting K-RAS could lead to more effective treatment options for this genetic disorder.
Researchers have found that astrocytes play a key role in regulating blood flow within the brain, and may hold promise as a target for new therapies to treat strokes. The study, funded by CIHR and Canadian Stroke Network, could lead to new treatments within 5-10 years.
A laser-based microscopy technique has confirmed and redefined the controversial 'astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle' hypothesis for brain energy metabolism. The study reveals that neurons and astrocytes interact to burn oxygen and glucose, with astrocytes providing lactate fuel after glucose is converted from the bloodstream.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a new source of adult stem cells in the human brain, potentially leading to breakthroughs in neuroregeneration and glioma treatment. The study found that astrocytes in the subventricular zone can function as neural stem cells, producing fresh neurons and oligodendrocytes.
Researchers found that nanotubes with tiny bumps cause less scar tissue and stimulate neurons to grow more fingerlike extensions, needed for brain activity regeneration. The findings suggest using a mixture of plastics and nanotubes could decrease scar tissue formation around electrodes.
Researchers developed a mouse model of neurofibromatosis 1 to study brain tumor growth, finding that tumors require permissive environments. Astrocytes with both copies of the Nf1 gene lacking in surrounding cells were found to develop into tumors, highlighting the importance of location in cancer development.
Researchers discovered that low levels of lead exposure can significantly impact the proliferation and development of neural stem cells. Dr. Jay Schneider's team found that lead inhibited the differentiation of stem cells into neurons or oligodendrocytes, but increased their ability to become astrocytes.
Researchers discovered that healthy astrocytes and glia can rescue motor neurons containing ALS-causing mutations from degeneration. The study suggests inserting healthy astrocytes into ALS patients may reduce or prevent motor-neuron degeneration.
Researchers found that a protein called palladin is upregulated following traumatic injury to the central nervous system, forming a barrier that blocks neurons from recovering. Palladin appears to control astrocyte cell shape, leading to structural changes associated with injury.
Researchers found that increasing neprilysin levels decreased amyloid deposition and reduced plaque load in transgenic mice. Astrocytes also degraded beta-amyloid peptides, suggesting a new target for AD therapies.
Researchers at Columbia University have found that astrocytes can degrade beta-amyloid proteins, a key component of Alzheimer's plaques, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for the disease. The study suggests activating astrocyte activity may be beneficial in reducing plaque buildup and improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that human cells use RalGEFs as primary effectors of Ras-mediated tumorigenesis, unlike in rodents. This discovery highlights the need for caution in using mice to model human disease and opens new avenues for cancer therapy targeting.
Researchers created a new mouse model that mimics the natural development of epilepsy, revealing the crucial role of astrocytes in seizure disorders. The study, led by David H. Gutmann and Kelvin Yamada, found that mice lacking TSC1 in astrocytes developed abnormal neuronal organization and seizures.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that methamphetamine exposure can dramatically increase the replication of lentiviruses like FIV and HIV in astrocyte cells, a type of nerve cell. This could lead to new insights into how these viruses spread in the brain and may impact dementia treatment.
Researchers have found a potential therapy for preventing brain swelling in patients with end-stage liver disease. Methionine sulfoximine (MSO) has been shown to prevent glutamine formation, which leads to brain swelling. In animal studies, MSO prevented brain damage and death in rats with hyperammonemia.
Recent research reveals that astrocytes instruct neural stem cells on which developmental pathway to select, promoting neuronal maturation. The study also found that astrocytes trigger stem cell proliferation and differentiation into neurons, suggesting a new mechanism for regulating neural growth.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking finding that may impact brain swelling research by discovering how the Aquaporin-4 protein is tethered to Syntrophin, leading to better understanding of the blood-brain barrier. The study's results suggest that AQP4 and Syntrophin play a crucial role in regulating water flow in the brain.
Scientists have created a new transgenic rat model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that can quickly test novel treatments and advance understanding of the disease. The rats carry an abnormal human gene for superoxide dismutase, which reveals the critical role of astrocytes in ALS progression.
Researchers propose that HIV's passive infection of astrocytes may contribute to AIDS dementia by disrupting glutamate removal. The study found more apoptotic astrocytes in brains of people with dementia compared to those without, suggesting a potential new target for prevention and treatment.