Scientists have discovered the genetic network that determines the morphology of astrocytes in healthy and diseased states

Chinese summary

Astrocytes are a type of glial cell, which is a cell that is abundant and morphologically complex
.
Here, the researchers report the molecular distribution, diversity, and morphology
of astrocytes in the mouse central nervous system (CNS).
They identified shared and region-specific astrocytes genes and functions and explored the cellular origins
of their regional diversity.
They identified a network of genes associated with astrocytes morphology, some of which unexpectedly contained Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk genes
.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated reduction of candidate genes reduces the morphological complexity of astrocytes and leads to cognitive deficits
.
The same genes were downregulated
in human AD with reduced astrocyte morphology, mouse models of AD, and other human brain diseases.
Thus, they provide comprehensive molecular data on the diversity and mechanisms of astrocytes in the central nervous system, as well as the molecular basis
of astrocytes morphology in health and disease.

Summary in English

Astrocytes, a type of glia, are abundant and morphologically complex cells.
Here, we report astrocyte molecular profiles, persity, and morphology across the mouse central nervous system (CNS).
We identified shared and region-specific astrocytic genes and functions and explored the cellular origins of their regional persity.
We identified gene networks correlated with astrocyte morphology, several of which unexpectedly contained Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk genes.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated reduction of candidate genes reduced astrocyte morphological complexity and resulted in cognitive deficits.
The same genes were down-regulated in human AD, in an AD mouse model that displayed reduced astrocyte morphology, and in other human brain disorders.
We thus provide comprehensive molecular data on astrocyte persity and mechanisms across the CNS and on the molecular basis of astrocyte morphology in health and disease.

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