Maja Potokar (Author), Nina Vardjan (Author), Matjaž Stenovec (Author), Mateja Gabrijel (Author), Saša Trkov (Author), Jernej Jorgačevski (Author), Marko Kreft (Author), Robert Zorec (Author)

Abstract

Astrocytes are no longer considered subservient to neurons, and are, instead, now understood to play an active role in brain signaling. The intercellular communication of astrocytes with neurons and other non-neuronal cells involves the exchange of molecules by exocytotic and endocytotic processes through the trafficking of intracellular vesicles. Recent studies of single vesicle mobility in astrocytes have prompted new views of how astrocytes contribute to information processing in nervous tissue. Here, we review the trafficking of several types of membrane-bound vesicles that are specifically involved in the processes of (i) intercellular communication by gliotransmitters (glutamate, adenosine 5'-triphosphate, atrial natriuretic peptide), (ii) plasma membrane exchange of transporters and receptors (EAAT2, MHC-II), and (iii) the involvement of vesicle mobility carrying aquaporins (AQP4) in water homeostasis. The properties of vesicle traffic in astrocytes are discussed in respect to networking with neighboring cells in physiologic and pathologic conditions, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and states in which astrocytes contribute to neuroinflammatory conditions.

Keywords

glia;astrocytes;multiple sclerosis;

Data

Language: English
Year of publishing:
Typology: 1.02 - Review Article
Organization: UL MF - Faculty of Medicine
UDC: 616-092
COBISS: 30620377 Link will open in a new window
ISSN: 1661-6596
Views: 480
Downloads: 133
Average score: 0 (0 votes)
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Other data

Secondary language: Slovenian
Secondary keywords: glija;astrociti;multipla skleroza;
Type (COBISS): Article
Pages: str. 11238-11258
Volume: ǂVol. ǂ14
Issue: ǂiss. ǂ6
Chronology: 2013
DOI: 10.3390/ijms140611238
ID: 13299919