Astrocytes and synaptogenesis

Glial cells, particularly astrocytes, were once considered to be passive residents of nervous tissue, performing the most basic housekeeping functions such as spatial ion buffering and water homeostasis. However, in recent years, we have expanded our knowledge in how these cells actually instruct neurons to build, maintain, and repair synaptic networks. This chapter highlights the pro-and antisynaptogenic factors that astrocytes secrete during the development of the central nervous system (CNS), the interactions between neurons and astrocytes that drive the development of both cell types, and ways in which these synaptogenic pathways are reinstated or disrupted following injury or in diseases of the CNS.

Duke Scholars

Author Cagla Eroglu Cell Biology