Title
Targeting astrocytes in brain injuries: A translational research approach
Date Issued
01 September 2016
Access level
metadata only access
Resource Type
editorial
Author(s)
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
Publisher(s)
Elsevier Ltd
Abstract
In the brain, the astrocentric view has increasingly changed in the past few years. The classical and old view of astrocytes as “just supporting cells” has assigned these cells some functions to help neurons maintain their homeostasis. This neuronal supportive function of astrocytes includes maintenance of ion and extracellular pH equilibrium, neuroendocrine signaling, metabolic support, clearance of glutamate and other neurotransmitters, and antioxidant protection. However, recent findings have shed some light on the new roles, some controversial though, performed by astrocytes that might change our view about the central nervous system functioning. Since astrocytes are important for neuronal survival, it is a potential approach to favor astrocytic functions in order to improve the outcome. Such translational strategies may include the use of genetically targeted proteins, and/or pharmacological therapies by administering androgens and estrogens, which have shown promising results in vitro and in vivo models. It is noteworthy that successful strategies reviewed in here shall be extrapolated to human subjects, and this is probably the next step we should move on.
Start page
1
End page
4
Volume
144
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Tecnologías que implican la manipulación de células, tejidos, órganos o todo el organismo
Neurología clínica
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-84989860890
PubMed ID
Source
Progress in Neurobiology
ISSN of the container
03010082
Sources of information:
Directorio de Producción Científica
Scopus