Neurons diversify astrocytes in the adult brain through sonic hedgehog signaling.
Title | Neurons diversify astrocytes in the adult brain through sonic hedgehog signaling. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2016 |
Authors | W Farmer T, Abrahamsson T, Chierzi S, Lui C, Zaelzer C, Jones EV, Bally BPonroy, Chen GG, Théroux J-F, Peng J, Bourque CW, Charron F, Ernst C, P Sjöström J, Murai KK |
Journal | Science |
Volume | 351 |
Issue | 6275 |
Pagination | 849-54 |
Date Published | 2016 Feb 19 |
ISSN | 1095-9203 |
Keywords | Animals, Astrocytes, Cerebellar Cortex, Female, Gene Deletion, Hedgehog Proteins, Male, Mice, Mice, Mutant Strains, Neurons, Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled, Signal Transduction, Smoothened Receptor |
Abstract | Astrocytes are specialized and heterogeneous cells that contribute to central nervous system function and homeostasis. However, the mechanisms that create and maintain differences among astrocytes and allow them to fulfill particular physiological roles remain poorly defined. We reveal that neurons actively determine the features of astrocytes in the healthy adult brain and define a role for neuron-derived sonic hedgehog (Shh) in regulating the molecular and functional profile of astrocytes. Thus, the molecular and physiological program of astrocytes is not hardwired during development but, rather, depends on cues from neurons that drive and sustain their specialized properties. |
DOI | 10.1126/science.aab3103 |
Alternate Journal | Science |
PubMed ID | 26912893 |
Grant List | FDN 143337 / / Canadian Institutes of Health Research / Canada NIA 288936 / / Canadian Institutes of Health Research / Canada MOP 111152 / / Canadian Institutes of Health Research / Canada 130175-1 / / Canadian Institutes of Health Research / Canada MOP 123390 / / Canadian Institutes of Health Research / Canada MOP 126137 / / Canadian Institutes of Health Research / Canada 126137-1 / / Canadian Institutes of Health Research / Canada |