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Astroglial vesicular network: evolutionary trends, physiology and pathophysiology.

R Zorec1,2, V Parpura3, A Verkhratsky1,2,4,5,6

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Eukaryotic cells utilize vesicular traffic for intracellular communication. This review explores astroglial vesicle networks and their role in neurological diseases, highlighting therapeutic potential.

Keywords:
astrocyteendocytosisexocytosisintellectual deficiencyneurodegenerationvesicle network

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Eukaryotic cells evolved intracellular organelles, including secretory vesicles, approximately 3 billion years ago.
  • Vesicle traffic emerged to facilitate communication within the increased cell volume of eukaryotes.
  • Lysosomes are key intermediates in endo- and exocytotic pathways, present in all eukaryotic cells, including astrocytes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the astroglial cell-autonomous vesicular traffic network.
  • To examine primary and secondary vesicular network defects in neurological diseases.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting astroglial vesicle networks.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of vesicular transport in astrocytes.
  • Analysis of the role of astroglial vesicle traffic in disease pathophysiology.
  • Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting vesicular networks.

Main Results:

  • Astroglial secretion relies on complex intracellular vesicle network dynamics.
  • Defects in astroglial vesicle traffic contribute to neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and neuroinfectious disorders.
  • The astroglial vesicular network is a potential therapeutic target for neurological conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Astroglial vesicular traffic is crucial for neuronal function and homeostasis.
  • Dysfunctional vesicular networks in astrocytes are implicated in various neurological diseases.
  • Targeting astroglial vesicle dynamics offers promising therapeutic avenues for neurological disorders.