Exp Neurobiol.  2018 Apr;27(2):77-87. 10.5607/en.2018.27.2.77.

Astrocytes, Microglia, and Parkinson's Disease

• Joe EH
• Choi DJ
• An J
• Eun JH
• Jou I
• Park S

• KMID: 2410468
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5607/en.2018.27.2.77

Abstract

Astrocytes and microglia support well-being and well-function of the brain through diverse functions in both intact and injured brain. For example, astrocytes maintain homeostasis of microenvironment of the brain through up-taking ions and neurotransmitters, and provide growth factors and metabolites for neurons, etc. Microglia keep surveying surroundings, and remove abnormal synapses or respond to injury by isolating injury sites and expressing inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, their loss and/or functional alteration may be directly linked to brain diseases. Since Parkinson's disease (PD)-related genes are expressed in astrocytes and microglia, mutations of these genes may alter the functions of these cells, thereby contributing to disease onset and progression. Here, we review the roles of astrocytes and microglia in intact and injured brain, and discuss how PD genes regulate their functions.

Keyword

Parkinson's disease; Glia cell; Astrocyte; Microglia

MeSH Terms

Astrocytes*
Brain
Brain Diseases
Cytokines
Homeostasis
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
Ions
Microglia*
Neurons
Neurotransmitter Agents
Parkinson Disease*
Synapses
Cytokines
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
Ions
Neurotransmitter Agents