Regulation of Astrocyte Functions in Multiple Sclerosis
- 1Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- 2The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
- Correspondence: fquintana{at}rics.bwh.harvard.edu
Abstract
Astrocytes play complex roles in health and disease. Here, we review recent findings on molecular pathways that control astrocyte function in multiple sclerosis (MS) as well as new tools for their investigation. In particular, we describe positive and negative regulators of astrocyte-mediated pathogenesis in MS, such as sphingolipid metabolism and aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling, respectively. In addition, we also discuss the issue of astrocyte heterogeneity and its relevance for the contribution of astrocytes to MS pathogenesis. Finally, we discuss how new genomic tools could transform the study of astrocyte biology in MS.
