title: Reactive gliosis in the pathogenesis of CNS diseases.
abstract: Astrocytes maintain the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS) by e.g. recycling of neurotransmitters and providing nutrients to neurons. Astrocytes function also as key regulators of synaptic plasticity and adult neurogenesis. Any insult to the CNS tissue triggers a range of molecular, morphological and functional changes of astrocytes jointly called reactive (astro)gliosis. Reactive (astro)gliosis is highly heterogeneous and also context-dependent process that aims at the restoration of homeostasis and limits tissue damage. However, under some circumstances, dysfunctional (astro)gliosis can become detrimental and inhibit adaptive neural plasticity mechanisms needed for functional recovery. Understanding the multifaceted and context-specific functions of astrocytes will contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies that, when applied at the right time-point, will improve the outcome of diverse neurological disorders. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Neuro Inflammation edited by Helga E. de Vries and Markus Schwaninger.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Astrocyte Biology and CNS Regeneration (MPy) and Laboratory of Regenerative Neuroimmunology (MPa), Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, SE, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Electronic address: Milos.Pekny@neuro.gu.se.
authors.forename: Milos
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pekny
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Astrocyte Biology and CNS Regeneration (MPy) and Laboratory of Regenerative Neuroimmunology (MPa), Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, SE, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Electronic address: Marcela.Pekna@neuro.gu.se.
authors.forename: Marcela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pekna
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000473:pathology*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000473:pathology; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D005911:Gliosis / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D020521:Stroke / Q000473:pathology