2023-09-21 14:21:25
The brain has just revealed a new secret: a “hybrid” cell at the crossroads of neurons and astrocytes. Discovered by a team of researchers from the University of Lausanne, this cell might redefine our understanding of neuronal communication and open up new therapeutic perspectives. A captivating breakthrough published in the prestigious journal Nature.
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Until now, it was thought that the human brain was composed of two types of cells: neurons, responsible for processing and transmitting information, and glial cells. Astrocytesastrocytes are a type of glial cells. The latter tightly wrap around the synapses of neurons, areas crucial for communication between cells. A study published in the journal Nature suggests that there may be a third type of cell in the brain.
A new hybrid cell, between the neuron and the astrocyte
This new type of cell has been demonstrated in mice. It would be a “hybridhybrid” cell, combining characteristics of neuronsneurons and astrocytes. The results obtained by the authors suggest that these hybrid cells might release neurotransmitters, like neurons.
For two decades now, neuroscientists have suspected astrocytes of having an active role in synaptic transmission. But this has never been proven before. And for good reason, because it was in fact a new cell type! Using innovative techniques, the researchers identified vesicles containing glutamateglutamate within these astrocytes. Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. These particular astrocytes, called “glutamatergic astrocytes” by the authors, release glutamate almost as quickly as neurons! These cells would play a protective role by regulating the excitation of neurons, for example by preventing epileptic seizuresepileptic seizures. In addition, they seem essential for memorization. Indeed, inhibition of their function impaired the mice’s ability to remember events.
Additional work has confirmed the presence of glutamatergic astrocytes in humans. Researchers are now planning to determine their potential involvement in pathologies such as Alzheimer’s, opening the way to new therapeutic strategies.
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