Unravelling and Exploiting Astrocyte Dysfunction in Huntington's Disease. Issue 7 (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khakh, Baljit S.; Beaumont, Vahri; Cachope, Roger; Munoz-Sanjuan, Ignacio; Goldman, Steven A.; Grantyn, Rosemarie
• Is Part Of: Trends in neurosciences. Volume 40:Issue 7(2017)
• Page Start: 422
• Page End: 437
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: astrocyte -- HD -- GAT3 -- Kir4.1 -- calcium -- GLT1 -- EAAT2 -- KCNJ10 -- GCaMP; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurophysiology -- Periodicals; Neurobiology -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2017.05.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0166-2236

Abstract

Abstract : Astrocytes are abundant within mature neural circuits and are involved in brain disorders. Here, we summarize our current understanding of astrocytes and Huntington's disease (HD), with a focus on correlative and causative dysfunctions of ion homeostasis, calcium signaling, and neurotransmitter clearance, as well as on the use of transplanted astrocytes to produce therapeutic benefit in mouse models of HD. Overall, the data suggest that astrocyte dysfunction is an important contributor to the onset and progression of some HD symptoms in mice. Additional exploration of astrocytes in HD mouse models and humans is needed and may provide new therapeutic opportunities to explore in conjunction with neuronal rescue and repair strategies. Trends: Astrocytes are involved in HD. Astrocyte dysfunctions contribute to HD pathophysiology in mice. Transplanted astrocytes produce therapeutic benefit in HD model mice. Targeting astrocyte dysfunction may provide new therapeutic targets in HD.