Targeting Astrocyte Behavior to Treat Neurodegeneration (opens in new tab)

Astrocytes make up a sizable fraction of the supporting cells of the brain, and undertake a wide range of tasks in order to maintain function. They supply metabolites needed for neural function, maintain other aspects of brain chemistry, provide structural support, and are a component of the blood-brain barrier, among many other activities. It has been noted that astrocytes tend towards greater inflammatory behavior in the aged brain, and like all cell populations a greater number of astrocyt...