Long overlooked and underestimated, glial cells—non-neuronal cells that support, protect and communicate with neurons—are ...

New research highlights how astrocytes, long considered mere support cells, actively shape brain network dynamics.

A Florida Atlantic University study shows that astrocytes, glial cells long viewed as passive, actively influence brain ...

What is even more surprising is that by manipulating these astrocytes in vivo in mice can influence metabolism and correct ...

Astrocytes, once considered merely supportive elements in the central nervous system (CNS), are now recognized as integral to ...

Researchers from CNRS and Université Paris Cité found that fatty diets and obesity alter astrocyte function in the striatum.

A new study reveals that astrocytes, star-shaped brain cells in the striatum, are key players in how obesity alters brain function and metabolism.

Cross-section of mouse brain showing astrocytes (in green) in the striatum. Rich diet and obesity change the shape of astrocytes, causing them to become reactive, a sign of cerebral inflammation.

Astrocytes have a variety of support functions in the brain: They clean up debris, provide nutrients to neurons, and help to ensure an adequate blood supply.

“My view is that astrocytes are sort of like the ‘Swiss army knife’ of the brain,” says Deneen. “They interact with practically every cell in the brain, [and] a single astrocyte can ...

In those critters, NE spurred calcium signaling in astrocytes, which, in turn, skewed dopaminergic neuron activity and behavior (Ma et al., 2016). Still, the extent to which astrocytes were necessary ...