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. 2018 Oct;22(Suppl 3):S106-114.
doi: 10.5213/inj.1836214.107. Epub 2018 Oct 31.

New Roles for Old Glue: Astrocyte Function in Synaptic Plasticity and Neurological Disorders

Syed M Q Hussaini  1 , Mi Hyeon Jang  2   3
Affiliations

New Roles for Old Glue: Astrocyte Function in Synaptic Plasticity and Neurological Disorders

Syed M Q Hussaini et al. Int Neurourol J. 2018 Oct.

Abstract

Previously believed to solely play a supportive role in the central nervous system, astrocytes are now considered active players in normal brain function. Evidence in recent decades extends their contributions beyond the classically held brain glue role; it's now known that astrocytes act as a unique excitable component with functions extending into local network modulation, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation, and postinjury repair. In this review article, we highlight our growing understanding of astrocyte function and physiology, the increasing role of gliotransmitters in neuron-glia communication, and the role of astrocytes in modulating synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. Owing to the duality of both beneficial and deleterious roles attributed to astrocytes, we also discuss the implications of this new knowledge as it applies to neurological disorders including Alzheimer disease, epilepsy, and schizophrenia.

Keywords: Astrocyte; Central nervous system; Neurological disorders; Synaptic plasticity.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

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