While neurons and the circuits the form have been the major focus of brain research the human brain contains at least as many cells that are not neurons of which astrocytes are by far the most abundant. During the past decade there have been numerous studies that reveal novel and very active roles for astrocytes in regulating the growth of neurons, the formation and modification of synapses, the activities of neural networks, and behaviors in laboratory animals. In this episode Marc Freeman talks about the fascinating world of astrocytes including their diversity, complex morphologies, and roles in neuroplasticity and disease processes.

LINKS:

Marc Freeman’s webpage at the Vollum Institute:

https://www.ohsu.edu/vollum-institute/marc-freeman-phd

Articles discussed in this podcast:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11513168/pdf/nihms-2030570.pdf

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7897322/pdf/nihms-1657553.pdf

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5161596/pdf/nihms-822004.pdf

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39386551/