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Glial Cells

Glial Cells

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

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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).
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Updated: May 12, 2026

Dissection and Isolation of Murine Glia from Multiple Central Nervous System Regions

Dissection and Isolation of Murine Glia from Multiple Central Nervous System Regions

Published on: June 4, 2020

Astrocyte Functional Heterogeneity in Multiple Sclerosis.

Sehoon Hong^1,2,3, Kristen Gah-Hyeon Kim¹, Francisco J Quintana^4,5,6

¹School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.

Journal of Clinical Neurology (Seoul, Korea)

|May 11, 2026

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves chronic neuroinflammation. Astrocytes exhibit diverse functional states, influenced by their environment, impacting MS progression and offering therapeutic targets for progressive MS.

Keywords:

astrocyte epigenetic memory multiple sclerosis neurodegenerative diseases neuroinflammation remyelination

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Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Published on: July 19, 2019

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Last Updated: May 12, 2026

Dissection and Isolation of Murine Glia from Multiple Central Nervous System Regions

Dissection and Isolation of Murine Glia from Multiple Central Nervous System Regions

Published on: June 4, 2020

Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Published on: July 19, 2019

Area of Science:

Neuroimmunology
Neuroinflammation
Glial Biology

Background:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuroinflammatory disease marked by demyelination and axonal loss.
Astrocytes play critical, dual roles in MS pathogenesis, acting as both drivers and regulators of disease.
Understanding astrocyte heterogeneity is key to deciphering MS pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the mechanisms of astrocyte heterogeneity in MS.
To explore how environmental factors shape astrocyte function in MS.
To identify therapeutic strategies targeting astrocyte dysfunction in progressive MS.

Main Methods:

Literature review focusing on astrocyte biology in the context of multiple sclerosis.
Analysis of extrinsic factors influencing astrocyte states, including inflammatory signals and glial interactions.
Examination of molecular mechanisms governing astrocyte responses in neuroinflammation.

Main Results:

Astrocyte heterogeneity is influenced by developmental programs and local microenvironmental cues.
Diverse astrocyte states impact lesion development, blood-brain barrier integrity, and tissue repair.
Specific protective and pathogenic astrocyte states and their governing molecular mechanisms were outlined.

Conclusions:

Astrocyte functional heterogeneity is a central characteristic of MS pathology.
Modulating pathogenic astrocyte responses presents a promising therapeutic avenue for progressive MS.
Targeting astrocyte heterogeneity offers a novel strategy for MS treatment.