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Heterogeneity of Astrocytic Form and Function

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Astrocytes

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 814))

Abstract

Astrocytes participate in all essential CNS functions, including blood flow regulation, energy metabolism, ion and water homeostasis, immune defence, neurotransmission, and adult neurogenesis. It is thus not surprising that astrocytic morphology and function differ between regions, and that different subclasses of astrocytes exist within the same brain region. Recent lines of work also show that the complexity of protoplasmic astrocytes increases during evolution. Human astrocytes are structurally more complex, larger, and propagate calcium signals significantly faster than rodent astrocytes. In this chapter, we review the diversity of astrocytic form and function, while considering the markedly expanded roles of astrocytes with phylogenetic evolution. We also define major challenges for the future, which include determining how astrocytic functions are locally specified, defining the molecular controls upon astrocytic fate and physiology and establishing how evolutionary changes in astrocytes contribute to higher cognitive functions.

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Acknowledgments

Work described in the authors’ labs was supported by grants from NINDS, as well as from the Adelson Medical Research Foundation, the Mathers Charitable foundation, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Department of Defence, and the New York State Stem Cell Research Program (NYSTEM).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA

    Nancy Ann Oberheim

  2. Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA

    Steven A. Goldman & Maiken Nedergaard

Authors
  1. Nancy Ann Oberheim
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  2. Steven A. Goldman
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  3. Maiken Nedergaard
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Correspondence to Steven A. Goldman .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Molecular & Experimental, Scripps Research Institute, N. Torrey Pines Road 10550, La Jolla, 92037, California, USA

    Richard Milner

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Oberheim, N.A., Goldman, S.A., Nedergaard, M. (2012). Heterogeneity of Astrocytic Form and Function. In: Milner, R. (eds) Astrocytes. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 814. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-452-0_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-452-0_3

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