Reactive gliosis in the pathogenesis of CNS diseases

• Astrocytes maintain the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS) by e.g. recycling of neurotransmitters and providing nutrients to neurons. Astrocytes function also as key regulators of synaptic plasticity and adult neurogenesis. Any insult to the CNS tissue triggers a range of molecular, morphological and functional changes of astrocytes jointly called reactive (astro)gliosis. Reactive (astro)gliosis is highly heterogeneous and also context-dependent process that aims at the restoration of homeostasis and limits tissue damage. However, under some circumstances, dysfunctional (astro)gliosis can become detrimental and inhibit adaptive neural plasticity mechanisms needed for functional recovery. Understanding the multifaceted and context-specific functions of astrocytes will contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies that, when applied at the right time-point, will improve the outcome of diverse neurological disorders. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Neuro Inflammation edited by Helga E. de Vries and Markus Schwaninger.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

spinal-cord-injury

fibrillary acidic protein

central-nervous-system

neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis

blood-brain-barrier

chondroitin sulfate

proteoglycans

promotes axonal regeneration

growth-factor receptor

adult transgenic mice

intermediate-filaments

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)