Astrocytes
Recent articles
‘SNAP’ dance of astrocytes and neurons falls out of step with age, disease
The findings add to growing evidence that astrocytes are star players in cognition.
![A research image showing astrocytes and neurons](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Genes-neuroscience-1200-1024x692.webp)
‘SNAP’ dance of astrocytes and neurons falls out of step with age, disease
The findings add to growing evidence that astrocytes are star players in cognition.
Dispute erupts over role of sticky proteins in astrocytes
But multiple independent researchers say they are not convinced by its results, which fail to confirm high-profile findings from 2017.
![Image of excitatory synapses in mouse brains.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1200-neuroligins-lede.png)
Dispute erupts over role of sticky proteins in astrocytes
But multiple independent researchers say they are not convinced by its results, which fail to confirm high-profile findings from 2017.
Latest ‘prime-editing’ tools tackle delivery, safety issues
The gene-editing advances make it easier to target specific tissues in mice and detect off-target effects.
![Research image of gene-edited mouse liver cells compared to controls.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1200-final-mice-prime-editing-autism.png)
Latest ‘prime-editing’ tools tackle delivery, safety issues
The gene-editing advances make it easier to target specific tissues in mice and detect off-target effects.
Astrocytes fuel erratic firing in fragile X neurons
A shift in astrocyte secretions may explain the atypical firing patterns of neurons derived from people with fragile X syndrome.
![Research image of neurons and astrocytes.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/844-astrocytes-final.jpg)
Astrocytes fuel erratic firing in fragile X neurons
A shift in astrocyte secretions may explain the atypical firing patterns of neurons derived from people with fragile X syndrome.
Beyond the bench: At school with Verónica Martínez Cerdeño
Spectrum caught up with the University of California, Davis professor about her passion for volunteering in underserved schools, birding and fossil-hunting.
![Autism researcher Veronica Martinez Cereno holds a brain in her lab.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cerdeno-Autism-brain-cc-844.jpg)
Beyond the bench: At school with Verónica Martínez Cerdeño
Spectrum caught up with the University of California, Davis professor about her passion for volunteering in underserved schools, birding and fossil-hunting.
Organoids identify potential therapies, circuit flaws for autism-linked syndromes
Brain cell clusters serve as drug screens and reveal connectivity differences for autism-linked conditions, two new models show.
![Image of organoids modeling CDKL5 deficiency disorder.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/844-sfn22-organoids.png)
Organoids identify potential therapies, circuit flaws for autism-linked syndromes
Brain cell clusters serve as drug screens and reveal connectivity differences for autism-linked conditions, two new models show.
Mouse studies cast astrocytes as stars of sensory perception
Data from two separate research teams suggest the cells are key to sensory hypersensitivity in fragile X syndrome.
![Single astrocyte on black background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Astrocytes-fragileX-autism-844.jpg)
Mouse studies cast astrocytes as stars of sensory perception
Data from two separate research teams suggest the cells are key to sensory hypersensitivity in fragile X syndrome.
How star cells’ secretions may stunt neurons: Q&A with Nicola Allen
Non-neuronal brain cells called astrocytes secrete proteins that seem to hamper the growth of neurons in people with autism-related syndromes. These proteins could be new drug targets, Allen says.
![six images of astrocytes](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/astrocytes-autism-neurodevelopmental-syndromes-lede-844.png)
How star cells’ secretions may stunt neurons: Q&A with Nicola Allen
Non-neuronal brain cells called astrocytes secrete proteins that seem to hamper the growth of neurons in people with autism-related syndromes. These proteins could be new drug targets, Allen says.
Portrait of a research field: astrocytes in autism
Long cast in supporting roles in the brain, astrocytes are now emerging as primary players in certain characteristics of autism and related conditions.
Portrait of a research field: astrocytes in autism
Long cast in supporting roles in the brain, astrocytes are now emerging as primary players in certain characteristics of autism and related conditions.
Glial cells star in autism-linked gene expression analysis
Many genes linked to autism are switched on in the brain's glia, cells that help neurons develop and synapses form.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/uddin-844.jpg)
Glial cells star in autism-linked gene expression analysis
Many genes linked to autism are switched on in the brain's glia, cells that help neurons develop and synapses form.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200_coughingmice-1024x720.webp)
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
![Capitol building](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/capitolhill-1200-1024x692.webp)
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.
![Illustration of ketamine blocking open ion channels in active NMDA receptors, quieting the cells and disrupting downstream signaling involved in depression.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200-ketamine-receptor-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.