From Physiology to Pathology of Astrocytes: Highlighting Their Potential as Therapeutic Targets for CNS Injury.
10.1007/s12264-024-01258-3
- Author:
Yimin YUAN
1
;
Hong LIU
1
;
Ziwei DAI
1
;
Cheng HE
1
;
Shangyao QIN
2
,
3
;
Zhida SU
4
Author Information
1. Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
2. Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China. shangyao_qin@
3. com.
4. Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China. suzhida@smmu.edu.cn.
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Astrocytes;
Astrogliosis;
CNS injury;
Reactive astrocyte;
Repair
- MeSH:
Astrocytes/drug effects*;
Humans;
Animals;
Central Nervous System/pathology*;
Central Nervous System Diseases/physiopathology*
- From:
Neuroscience Bulletin
2025;41(1):131-154
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
In the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), astrocytes are the ubiquitous glial cells that have complex morphological and molecular characteristics. These fascinating cells play essential neurosupportive and homeostatic roles in the healthy CNS and undergo morphological, molecular, and functional changes to adopt so-called 'reactive' states in response to CNS injury or disease. In recent years, interest in astrocyte research has increased dramatically and some new biological features and roles of astrocytes in physiological and pathological conditions have been discovered thanks to technological advances. Here, we will review and discuss the well-established and emerging astroglial biology and functions, with emphasis on their potential as therapeutic targets for CNS injury, including traumatic and ischemic injury. This review article will highlight the importance of astrocytes in the neuropathological process and repair of CNS injury.
