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TGF-β as a Key Modulator of Astrocyte Reactivity: Disease Relevance and Therapeutic Implications.

ABSTRACT: Astrocytes are essential for normal brain development and functioning. They respond to brain injury and disease through a process referred to as reactive astrogliosis, where the reactivity is highly heterogenous and context-dependent. Reactive astrocytes are active contributors to brain pathology and can exert beneficial, detrimental, or mixed effects following brain insults. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been identified as one of the key factors regulating astrocyte reactivity. The genetic and pharmacological manipulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway in animal models of central nervous system (CNS) injury and disease alters pathological and functional outcomes. This review aims to provide recent understanding regarding astrocyte reactivity and TGF-β signaling in brain injury, aging, and neurodegeneration. Further, it explores how TGF-β signaling modulates astrocyte reactivity and function in the context of CNS disease and injury.

SUBMITTER: Luo J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9138510 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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TGF-β as a Key Modulator of Astrocyte Reactivity: Disease Relevance and Therapeutic Implications.

Luo Jian J

Biomedicines 20220523 5

Astrocytes are essential for normal brain development and functioning. They respond to brain injury and disease through a process referred to as reactive astrogliosis, where the reactivity is highly heterogenous and context-dependent. Reactive astrocytes are active contributors to brain pathology and can exert beneficial, detrimental, or mixed effects following brain insults. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been identified as one of the key factors regulating astrocyte reactivity. The g ...[more]

PMID: 35625943

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