Astrocyte News and Research

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Cellular changes in astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating outcomes for CNS disorders

Investigators at Cedars-Sinai have comprehensively mapped molecular activity in the brain and spinal cord that is responsible for regulating the body's response to central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's disease and spinal cord injuries.

2 Jun 2022

Using diffusion-weighted MRI to visualize brain inflammation in vivo for the first time

Research of the laboratories led by Dr. Silvia de Santis and Dr. Santiago Canals, both from the Institute of Neurosciences UMH-CSIC (Alicante, Spain), has made it possible to visualize for the first time and in great detail brain inflammation using diffusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

27 May 2022

New therapeutic approach harnesses the body's immune system to protect against brain damage

A therapeutic method for harnessing the body's immune system to protect against brain damage is published today by researchers from the Babraham Institute's Immunology research program.

27 May 2022

Study uncovers a possible mechanism that links cerebrovascular disease and Alzheimer's

For more than 20 years, scientists have known that people with hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, or obesity have a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease.

25 May 2022

New initiative aims to increase collaboration and accelerate high-impact cancer immunotherapy

The accelerated advancement of cancer immunology and immunotherapy, a type of biological therapy that boosts the immune system's ability to recognize and kill cancer cells, has significantly improved the effectiveness of cancer treatment and patient outcomes.

25 May 2022

Tufts scientists discover a previously unknown function performed by astrocytes

Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine have discovered a previously unknown function performed by a type of cell that comprises nearly half of all cells in the brain.

28 Apr 2022

Abnormalities in astrocytes may play a key role in causing autism spectrum disorder symptoms

Abnormalities in a type of brain cell called astrocytes may play a pivotal role in causing some behavioral symptoms of autism spectrum disorders, according to a preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators.

21 Apr 2022

Scientists discover differences in interaction of T-cells within tumor microenvironments

A team led by Northwestern Medicine investigators has discovered differences in the distribution and interaction of T-cells within the microenvironment of different regions of both brain tumors and brain metastases, according to findings published in the journal JCI Insight.

14 Apr 2022

Researchers find possible window of opportunity to target astrocyte abnormalities during ALS treatment

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects as many as 30,000 people in the United States, with 5,000 new cases diagnosed each year. It weakens muscles over time, impacting physical function and ultimately leading to death.

29 Mar 2022

Study: Targeting astrocytes reduces tau-related brain damage and inflammation in mice

Alzheimer's disease is the most common and best known of the tauopathies, a set of neurodegenerative brain diseases caused by toxic tangles of the protein tau.

18 Mar 2022

A complete transcriptomic analysis of astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease

An international group of researchers led by the UAB analyzed the genes that are expressed in neurons and astrocytes based on data from 800 individuals and compared what happens in Alzheimer's patients and in people without diagnosed dementia.

18 Mar 2022

Antibody treatment improves symptoms of neuromyelitis optica in a rat model

Autoimmune diseases are the molecular equivalent of "friendly fire": the body attacks itself instead of harmful invaders.

11 Mar 2022

Researchers identify motor neuron toxin associated with ALS

An international team of investigators has discovered that an inorganic polyphosphate released by nerve cells known as astrocytes in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) contributes to the motor neuron death that is the signature of these diseases.

10 Mar 2022

A ubiquitous protein may be key to the survival of neurons most impacted by glaucoma

A ubiquitous protein called sigma 1 receptor, which is known to protect cells from stress, appears key to the function and survival of the neurons most impacted by glaucoma, scientists report.

1 Mar 2022

Research sheds light on the role of lipids in Alzheimer’s disease development

Neurons in the brain coexist with and rely on many other cell types to function properly. Astrocytes, which take their name from their star shape, ensure the survival of neurons by feeding and detoxifying them with the help of a multifunctional protein, APOE.

1 Mar 2022

Scientists reveal toxic astrocyte changes in ALS

Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute have revealed harmful changes in supporting cells, called astrocytes, in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in two publications in Brain and Genome Research.

19 Jan 2022

Star-shaped cells in the brain regulate cognitive flexibility

As we live in a dynamically changing environment, it is important for our brain to not only learn new things but also to modify existing memories.

21 Dec 2021

Brain research explains why visual information increases attention

"Look at me!" we might say while attempting to engage our children. It turns out there is a neurochemical explanation for why looking at mom or dad actually helps kiddoes pay better attention.

17 Dec 2021

Researchers discover new type of cell that may help regulate heart rate

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame discovered a new type of cell in the heart that may help regulate heart rate, and could be an important key in understanding certain types of congenital heart defects and other diseases that involve the heart.

21 Nov 2021

SARS-CoV-2 leaves long-term impact on olfactory neurocircuit

The current study looked at the impact of the virus on the CNS in the Syrian golden hamster, a useful animal model for COVID-19.

9 Nov 2021