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Functional Groups

Functional Groups

Functional groups are a group of atoms with characteristic properties, which when linked to the carbon skeleton of a molecule, alter the properties of that molecule. For example, the presence of certain functional groups on a molecule will make them hydrophilic, whereas others will make them hydrophobic. These functional groups are an indispensable part of organic chemistry and important components of biological molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Each...

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Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Isolation and Culture of Mouse Cortical Astrocytes

Isolation and Culture of Mouse Cortical Astrocytes

Published on: January 19, 2013

The astrocyte biochemistry.

Débora G Souza¹, Roberto F Almeida², Diogo O Souza³

¹Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology

|April 6, 2019

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Astrocytes play a crucial role in brain energy metabolism by processing glucose and fatty acids. These glial cells are key to maintaining central nervous system (CNS) energetic homeostasis.

Keywords:

Astrocyte Biochemistry Fatty acids Glucose Glutamate

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Last Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Isolation and Culture of Mouse Cortical Astrocytes

Isolation and Culture of Mouse Cortical Astrocytes

Published on: January 19, 2013

3D Bioprinting of Murine Cortical Astrocytes for Engineering Neural-Like Tissue

3D Bioprinting of Murine Cortical Astrocytes for Engineering Neural-Like Tissue

Published on: July 16, 2021

Monitoring Astrocyte Reactivity and Proliferation in Vitro Under Ischemic-Like Conditions

Monitoring Astrocyte Reactivity and Proliferation in Vitro Under Ischemic-Like Conditions

Published on: October 21, 2017

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Biochemistry

Background:

Astrocytes are dynamic glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS).
Their biochemical reactions and cellular influence are critical in neuroscience.
They significantly impact neurotransmission, ionic balance, and release neuroactive molecules (gliotransmitters).

Purpose of the Study:

To review the biochemical reactions in astrocytes related to energy metabolism.
To highlight astrocyte roles in glucose, fatty acid, and neurotransmitter metabolism.
To emphasize astrocytes' function in maintaining CNS energetic homeostasis.

Main Methods:

Literature review focusing on astrocyte energy metabolism.
Analysis of biochemical pathways including glucose synthesis, storage, and catabolism.
Examination of fatty acid oxidation, ketone body production, and neurotransmitter metabolism (glutamate, GABA).

Main Results:

Astrocytes metabolize, store, and release substrates to meet brain energy demands.
Key pathways reviewed include glucose metabolism, lactate release, fatty acid oxidation, and ketone body production.
Metabolism of glutamate and GABA by astrocytes is also detailed.

Conclusions:

Astrocytes are central to regulating energy metabolism in the brain.
Recent findings position astrocytes as critical regulators of CNS energetic homeostasis.
Understanding astrocyte biochemical functions is vital for neuroscience research.