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Brain Astrocytes and Synaptic Dissonance: Neurodegenerative and Mental Pathology

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Abstract

Experimental and clinical studies provided evidence that astrocytes are inherent components of neural networks. Astrocytes can affect synaptic processes by modulating the activity of neuro- and gliotransmitters. The role of the microglia in the organization of network spaces and the formation of neuroastrocytic domains is considered one of the leading mechanisms of memory and cognitive function. A disorder at the level of synaptic transmission results in the impairment of these processes. For the first time, we present the mechanism by which astrocytes, as components of synaptic processes, become involved in neuropsychic diseases.

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The work was carried out as a part of the Fundamental Research Program of the State Academies of Sciences for 2013–2020.

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  1. Orekhovich Research Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 119435, Moscow, Russia

    O. A. Gomazkov

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Gomazkov, O.A. Brain Astrocytes and Synaptic Dissonance: Neurodegenerative and Mental Pathology. Biol Bull Rev 10, 526–533 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1134/S207908642006002X

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