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Probing Astrocyte Function in Fragile X Syndrome

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Modeling Fragile X Syndrome

Part of the book series: Results and Problems in Cell Differentiation ((RESULTS,volume 54))

Abstract

Astrocytes have been recognized as a class of cells that fill the space between neurons for more than a century. From their humble beginnings in the literature as merely space filling cells, an ever expanding list of functions in the CNS now exceeds the list of functions performed by neurons. In virtually all developmental and pathological conditions in the brain, astrocytes are involved in some capacity that directly affects neuronal function. Today we recognize that astrocytes are involved in the development and function of synaptic communication. Increasing evidence suggests that abnormal synaptic function may be a prominent contributing factor to the learning disability phenotype. With the discovery of FMRP in astrocytes, coupled with a role of astrocytes in synaptic function, research directed to glial neurobiology has never been more important. This chapter highlights the current knowledge of astrocyte function with a focus on their involvement in Fragile X syndrome.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8N 3Z5

    Shelley Jacobs, Connie Cheng & Laurie C. Doering

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  1. Shelley Jacobs
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  2. Connie Cheng
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  3. Laurie C. Doering
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Correspondence to Laurie C. Doering .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. New York State Institute for Basic Resea, Forest Hill Road 1050, Staten Island, 10314, USA

    Robert B. Denman

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Jacobs, S., Cheng, C., Doering, L.C. (2012). Probing Astrocyte Function in Fragile X Syndrome. In: Denman, R. (eds) Modeling Fragile X Syndrome. Results and Problems in Cell Differentiation, vol 54. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-21649-7_2

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