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Monitoring Astrocyte Reactivity and Proliferation in Vitro Under Ischemic-Like Conditions
Published on: October 21, 2017
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Seducing astrocytes to the dark side
Joshua E Burda1, Michael V Sofroniew1
1Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Cell Research
|March 18, 2017
Summary
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, release molecules that make astrocytes toxic after central nervous system (CNS) injury or disease. This finding raises questions about the adaptive and maladaptive roles of this neuroinflammatory mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Astrocytes are local cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that undergo molecular changes after injury or disease.
- The functional consequences of these astrocyte changes are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which microglia influence astrocyte behavior after CNS injury or disease.
Main Methods:
- Combined genomic and experimental analysis was employed.
- The study focused on classically-activated microglia and their interactions with astrocytes.
Main Results:
- Classically-activated microglia release specific molecules.
- These molecules induce a neurotoxic state in astrocytes.
Conclusions:
- Microglia-derived molecules can drive astrocytes into a neurotoxic state.
- This mechanism raises questions about the adaptive and maladaptive roles of neuroinflammation in the CNS.
