Astrocytes and disease: a neurodevelopmental perspectiv

Anna V Molofsky, Robert Krencik, Erik M Ullian, Erik Ullian, Hui-hsin Tsai, Benjamin Deneen, William D Richardson, Ben A Barres, David H Rowitch

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    541 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Astrocytes are no longer seen as a homogenous population of cells. In fact, recent studies indicate that astrocytes are morphologically and functionally diverse and play critical roles in neurodevelopmental diseases such as Rett syndrome and fragile X mental retardation. This review summarizes recent advances in astrocyte development, including the role of neural tube patterning in specification and developmental functions of astrocytes during synaptogenesis. We propose here that a precise understanding of astrocyte development is critical to defining heterogeneity and could lead advances in understanding and treating a variety of neuropsychiatric diseases.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)891-907
    Number of pages17
    JournalGenes & development
    Volume26
    Issue number9
    DOIs
    StatePublished - May 1 2012

    Keywords

    • Astrocytes
    • Heredodegenerative Disorders, Nervous System
    • Humans
    • Mental Disorders
    • Neural Stem Cells
    • Neurogenesis
    • Journal Article
    • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
    • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    • Review

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