Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026
09:32
Bioluminescence Imaging of Neuroinflammation in Transgenic Mice After Peripheral Inoculation of Alpha-Synuclein Fibrils
Published on: April 13, 2017
8.9K
Neuroinflammation and Glial Phenotypic Changes in Alpha-Synucleinopathies.
Violetta Refolo1, Nadia Stefanova1
1Division of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
|July 3, 2019
Summary
Neuroinflammation, driven by dynamic glial cells like microglia and astroglia, is key in neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding glial phenotypic changes in alpha-synucleinopathies offers therapeutic insights.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Glial cells, including microglia and astroglia, exhibit dynamic behaviors and phenotypes in response to brain homeostasis shifts.
- Microglial phenotypic diversity and heterogeneity are crucial areas of ongoing research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on glial phenotypic changes in alpha-synucleinopathies.
- To explore the pathophysiological implications of glial dynamic cellular behavior in these diseases.
- To consider the therapeutic potential arising from understanding glial responses.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on neuroinflammation and glial cells.
- Analysis of research on alpha-synucleinopathies and associated proteinopathies.
- Inclusion of recent genetic analyses on microglial heterogeneity.
Main Results:
- Glial cells, particularly microglia, display multiple phenotypes and functions.
- Alpha-synucleinopathies involve abnormal alpha-synuclein accumulation and are critically influenced by neuroinflammation and glial activation.
- Glial phenotypic changes are dynamic and crucial in disease development.
Conclusions:
- Glial cell phenotypic plasticity plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of alpha-synucleinopathies.
- Understanding these dynamic glial responses is essential for developing targeted therapies.
- Further research into microglial heterogeneity may reveal novel therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:04Glial Cells
93.3K
Overview
93.3K
01:31Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells
6.6K
Glia, or neuroglia, are vital support cells that assist neurons in their functions. The term "glia" originates from the Greek word for "glue," reflecting their role in holding the nervous system together. These cells can be categorized into six types: four in the central nervous system (CNS) and two in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial...
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial...
6.6K
02:27Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
7.5K
Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
7.5K
01:21Frequency-dependent Selection
23.1K
When the fitness of a trait is influenced by how common it is (i.e., its frequency) relative to different traits within a population, this is referred to as frequency-dependent selection. Frequency-dependent selection may occur between species or within a single species. This type of selection can either be positive—with more common phenotypes having higher fitness—or negative, with rarer phenotypes conferring increased fitness.
23.1K
02:21Globular and Fibrous Proteins
46.8K
Many proteins can be classified into two distinct subtypes - globular or fibrous. These two types differ in their shapes and solubilities.
Globular proteins are also known as spheroproteins and typically are approximately round in shape. They contain a mix of amino acid types and contain differing sequences in their primary structures. Globular proteins have many different functions, such as enzymes, cellular messengers, and molecular transporters. These roles often require the proteins to be...
Globular proteins are also known as spheroproteins and typically are approximately round in shape. They contain a mix of amino acid types and contain differing sequences in their primary structures. Globular proteins have many different functions, such as enzymes, cellular messengers, and molecular transporters. These roles often require the proteins to be...
46.8K
01:33Pleiotropy
43.2K
Pleiotropy is the phenomenon in which a single gene impacts multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits. For example, defects in the SOX10 gene cause Waardenburg Syndrome Type 4, or WS4, which can cause defects in pigmentation, hearing impairments, and an absence of intestinal contractions necessary for elimination. This diversity of phenotypes results from the expression pattern of SOX10 in early embryonic and fetal development. SOX10 is found in neural crest cells that form melanocytes,...
43.2K