Advances in the research of astrocyte function in neural regeneration

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Authors
Srikanth, Madhulika
Yao, Li
Asmatulu, Ramazan
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Issue Date
2018-10-31
Type
Book chapter
Keywords
Schwann cell , Neural regeneration , Myelination , Peripheral nerve , Axon , Biomaterials scaffolds , Gene therapy , Neural degeneration , Nerve injury , Transplantation
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Citation
Srikanth, M., Yao, L., Asmatulu, R. (2018). Advances in the Research of Astrocyte Function in Neural Regeneration. In: Glial Cell Engineering in Neural Regeneration . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02104-7_1
Abstract

Astrocytes play a critical role in maintaining the structural health of the neurons. Astrocytes create the brain environment by building up the micro-architecture of the central nervous system, maintain brain homeostasis, and control the metabolism of neural cells and synaptic activity. Astrocytes are involved in all types of brain pathologies from acute lesions to chronic neurodegenerative processes such as Alexander’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and psychiatric diseases. It was suggested that astrocytes play a negative role following the event of injury because they contribute to the formation of glial scar that inhibits the regeneration and growth of neurons. Recent compelling research shows that reactive astrocytes protect injured tissues and cells in various ways. Studies revealed that transplantation of astrocytes and glial-restricted precursor (GRP)-derived astrocytes (hGDAs) promoted neural regeneration process. In this chapter, we summarize the function of astrocytes in normal neural tissue and the cellular process of astrocytes in neural lesion. We also review the interaction of astrocytes and biomaterials and its potential application in neural regeneration.

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Springer, Cham
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Book Title
Glial cell engineering in neural regeneration
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