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Related Concept Videos

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells01:31

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

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 cells that interact...
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Glial Cells

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EPS and iPS Cells in Disease Research01:21

EPS and iPS Cells in Disease Research

Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells are excellent models for disease research because of their ability to self-renew and differentiate into most cell types. Somatic cells from a patient are isolated and reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs. These iPSCs are later differentiated into the desired cell type, which mirrors the diseased cell of the patient. In this way, disease models have been created for investigating diseases such as Down syndrome, type I diabetes,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes
10:10

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes

Published on: October 4, 2018

iAstrocytes model cytokine influences on complement expression and neuronal network synchronization.

Nader Morshed, Matthew Demers, Ana Gonzalez-Ramos

    Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
    |June 12, 2026
    PubMed
    Summary

    Researchers developed induced astrocytes (iAstrocytes) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) using transcription factors. This rapid method creates functional astrocytes for studying astrocyte-neuron interactions and neurological diseases.

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    Generating and Co-culturing Murine Primary Microglia and Cortical Neurons
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    Published on: July 26, 2024

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    Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

    Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes
    10:10

    Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes

    Published on: October 4, 2018

    Generating and Co-culturing Murine Primary Microglia and Cortical Neurons
    08:47

    Generating and Co-culturing Murine Primary Microglia and Cortical Neurons

    Published on: July 26, 2024

    Area of Science:

    • Neuroscience
    • Stem Cell Biology
    • Genetics

    Background:

    • Astrocytes are crucial for neuronal development, function, and disease.
    • Current methods for deriving human astrocytes from pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are time-consuming and complex.
    • A need exists for rapid and efficient generation of functional human astrocytes for research.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To develop a rapid and robust method for generating functional induced astrocytes (iAstrocytes) from hPSCs.
    • To establish a genetically tractable platform for studying astrocyte-neuron interactions.
    • To investigate the role of astrocytes in modulating neuronal network activity.

    Main Methods:

    • Developed a genomic safe-harbor knock-in system for inducible expression of astrogenic transcription factors (NFIA, NFIB, SOX9).
    • Generated iAstrocytes using NFIB-SOX9 and NFIA-NFIB-SOX9 combinations across multiple hPSC lines.
    • Utilized CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) for gene expression knockdown in iAstrocytes.
    • Co-cultured iAstrocytes with human induced neurons (iNeurons) and performed pharmacological and genetic perturbations.

    Main Results:

    • Efficiently generated highly pure iAstrocyte populations expressing astrocyte-specific and synaptogenic genes.
    • Demonstrated cytokine-induced expression of complement factors C3 and C4 in iAstrocytes.
    • Successfully co-cultured iAstrocytes with iNeurons, promoting synchronized iNeuron network calcium activity.
    • Identified specific gap junction proteins mediating astrocyte-induced neuronal network synchronization.

    Conclusions:

    • The developed iAstrocyte platform offers a rapid and genetically tractable model for astrocyte research.
    • This system enables the dissection of human genetic and environmental influences on astrocyte-neuron interactions.
    • iAstrocytes provide a valuable tool for studying neurological diseases and developing therapeutic strategies.