Molecular diversity of astrocytes with implications for neurological disorders

摘要: The astrocyte represents the most abundant yet least understood cell type of CNS. Here, we use a stringent experimental strategy to molecularly define lineage by integrating microarray datasets across several in vitro model systems differentiation, primary cultures, and various astrocyterich CNS structures. intersection data sets, coupled with application nonastrocytic exclusion filters, yielded many astrocyte-specific genes possessing strikingly varied patterns regional expression. Annotation these provides direct molecular documentation diverse physiological roles lineage. This global perspective normal brain also framework for how astrocytes may participate pathogenesis common neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's stroke, epilepsy, tumors.