Astrocytes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: direct effects on motor neuron survival |
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Authors: | K A Staats L Van Den Bosch |
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Institution: | (1) Neurobiology, Campus Gasthuisberg O&N2, PB1022, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;(2) Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; |
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Abstract: | Selective motor neuron death during amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a non-cell autonomous process in which non-neuronal
cells induce and/or contribute to the disease process. The non-neuronal cells that are clearly involved in the pathogenesis
of the disease are the surrounding astrocytes. Under normal conditions, astrocytes remove glutamate from the synaptic cleft
and release trophic factors. In addition, these cells determine the functional characteristics of motor neurons. Recent evidence
suggests that activation of astrocytes in a degenerative disease like ALS disturbs the crosstalk between astrocytes and motor
neurons, which could contribute to and/or accelerate selective motor neuron death. These new insights may contribute to the
development of therapeutic approaches to slow this fatal neurodegenerative disease. |
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Keywords: | Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Glutamate uptake Neurotrophic factors Excitotoxicity AMPA receptor |
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