Year: 2020
Type: review
Abstract: Neurodevelopmental disorders arise from genetic and/or from environmental factors and are characterized by different degrees of intellectual disability. The mechanisms that govern important processes sustaining learning and memory, which are severely affected in intellectual disability, have classically been thought to be exclusively under neuronal control. However, this vision has recently evolved into a more integrative conception in which astroglia, rather than just acting as metabolic supply and structural anchoring for neurons, interact at distinct levels modulating neuronal communication and possibly also cognitive processes. Recently, genetic tools have made it possible to specifically manipulate astrocyte activity unraveling novel functions that involve astrocytes in memory function in the healthy brain. However, astrocyte manipulation has also underscored potential mechanisms by which dysfunctional astrocytes could contribute to memory deficits in several neurodevelopmental disorders revealing new pathogenic mechanisms in intellectual disability. Here, we review the current knowledge about astrocyte dysfunction that might contribute to learning and memory impairment in neurodevelopmental disorders, with special focus on Fragile X syndrome and Down syndrome.
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239039
Authors: Álvaro Fernández-Blanco, Mara Dierssen
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,112
Funders: EU Joint Programme – Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Centres de Recerca de Catalunya, Generalitat de Catalunya, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología, National Institutes of Health, Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, Departament d'Universitats, Recerca i Societat de la Informació, Agencia Estatal de Investigación, H2020 Health
Awards: G1175115578, G1564859646, G1601966056, G1855990336, G2064873908, G2107522052, G2262748287, G2309174360, G2660406951, G3005324705, G300979063, G3288897321, G3480869486, G3518538256, G3546882995, G3690828678, G425668148, G430777504, G4470689633, G5080475149, G5175525644, G5421974903, G589576360, G6025928809, G6366842693, G6656126374, G7084143925, G7169023097, G7425137858, G7520681623, G7773939433, G8130184278, G847219688, G8684520763, G8836402509, G99296377
OpenAlex ID: W3096836257