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Astrocyte diversity and aging in the mouse lemur primate brain
Lolie Garcia1,2,3, Léo Dupuis1,2,3, Fanny Petit2,3
1Neuro-Bicêtre, Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CNRS, U1195-EMR2000, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
Scientific Reports
|March 14, 2026
Summary
Aging alters astrocytes differently across the primate brain. This study reveals region-specific changes in mouse lemur astrocytes, highlighting their value for studying brain aging.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Astroglial Biology
- Primate Aging Research
Background:
- Astrocytes are crucial for brain function, but their diversity and aging patterns are poorly understood, especially in primates.
- Rodent models show species differences, necessitating comparative studies in non-human primates like the mouse lemur.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize astrocyte distribution, morphology, and reactivity in aging gray mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus).
- To investigate region-specific age-related changes in primate astrocytes.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry using GFAP and vimentin in 17 mouse lemurs aged 1.0-11.5 years.
- Detailed analysis of astrocyte subtypes, distribution, and morphological features across brain regions.
Main Results:
- Identified significant regional heterogeneity in astrocyte populations and morphology.
- Documented diverse astrocyte subtypes, including fibrous, protoplasmic, and radial glia-like cells.
- Observed increased astrocytic reactivity with age, particularly in white matter and interlaminar regions, with modest changes in cortex and hippocampus.
Conclusions:
- Aging induces region-specific alterations in primate astrocytes, with white matter and interlaminar astrocytes showing higher vulnerability.
- The mouse lemur is a valuable model for studying glial aging in primates.
- Varicosity-bearing processes in astrocytes may signify altered physiological states during aging.
