Satellite glia modulate sympathetic neuron survival, activity, and autonomic function
Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: Satellite glia are the major glial cells in sympathetic ganglia, enveloping neuronal cell bodies. Despite this intimate association, how satellite glia contribute to sympathetic functions remain unclear. Here, we show that satellite glia are critical for metabolism, survival, and activity of sympathetic neurons and modulate autonomic behaviors in mice. Adult ablation of satellite glia results in impaired mTOR signaling, soma atrophy, reduced noradrenergic enzymes, and loss of sympathetic neurons. However, persisting neurons have elevated activity, and satellite glia-ablated mice show increased pupil dilation and heart rate, indicative of enhanced sympathetic tone. Satellite glia-specific deletion of Kir4.1, an inward-rectifying potassium channel, largely recapitulates the cellular defects observed in glia-ablated mice, suggesting that satellite glia act in part via extracellular K + buffering. These findings highlight neuron-satellite glia as functional units in regulating sympathetic output, with implications for disorders linked to sympathetic hyper-activity such as cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
Source: eLife
DOI: 10.7554/elife.74295
Language: English
Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,500
Awards: Neurotrophin mechanisms in neural development and disease, The role of CFAP69 in olfaction, Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), G5520316217, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Neurotrophic factor trafficking and signaling in development and disease, Coupled axonal protein synthesis and lipidation in axon growth and homeostasis, Regulation of the intrinsic melanopsin-based light response in ipRGCs, Section on Light and Circadian Rhythms
OpenAlex ID: W4292731112