Astrocytes make up 20-40% of glial cells within the central nervous system (CNS) and provide several crucial functions, ranging from metabolic and structural support to regulation of synaptogenesis and synaptic transmission. Although these cells are morphologically and functionally complex, astrocytes have been historically regarded as homogenous cell populations and studied as one population of cells. Fortunately, recent evidence in RNA profiling and imaging data has begun to refute this view. These studies suggest heterogeneity of astrocytes across brain regions, differing in many aspects such as morphology, function, physiological properties, developmental origins, and response to disease. Increased understanding of astrocyte heterogeneity is critical for investigations into the function of astrocytes in the brain and neuro-glia interactions. Furthermore, insights into astrocyte heterogeneity can help better understand their role in neurological disorders and potentially produce novel approaches to treating these diseases.

中文翻译：

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星形胶质细胞多样性：当前的见解和未来的方向。

星形胶质细胞占中枢神经系统 (CNS) 内胶质细胞的 20-40%，并提供多种关键功能，从代谢和结构支持到突触发生和突触传递的调节。尽管这些细胞在形态和功能上都很复杂，但星形胶质细胞在历史上一直被视为同质细胞群，并作为一个细胞群进行研究。幸运的是，最近 RNA 分析和成像数据的证据已经开始反驳这种观点。这些研究表明星形胶质细胞在不同大脑区域的异质性，在形态、功能、生理特性、发育起源和对疾病的反应等许多方面都存在差异。增加对星形胶质细胞异质性的了解对于研究星形胶质细胞在大脑和神经胶质相互作用中的功能至关重要。