The Role of Astrocytes in the Brain: From Development to Disease
A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Neuroglia".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 June 2026 | Viewed by 18
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Astrocytes have emerged as central regulators of brain function beyond their classical supportive roles. Recent findings have highlighted their active participation in synaptic modulation, metabolic support, immune responses, and the maintenance of neural circuits. Dysfunctional astrocytes have been implicated in aging and several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This Special Issue aims to gather high-quality contributions exploring the multifaceted roles of astrocytes in both healthy and diseased brains. We welcome original research articles and reviews addressing astrocyte development, heterogeneity, metabolic regulation, mitochondrial dynamics, neuroglial interactions, and astrocytic responses in disease models. Studies employing in vitro, in vivo, or translational approaches are encouraged. This Special Issue seeks to advance our understanding of astrocyte biology and stimulate novel therapeutic strategies targeting glial cells.
It aims to compile cutting-edge studies that deepen our understanding of astrocyte biology from development to disease. We invite original research and comprehensive reviews that explore the diverse roles of astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS), their interactions with neurons, microglia, and vasculature, and how these interactions change during aging, injury, and pathology. We especially welcome studies that link molecular and cellular insights to translational or clinical perspectives.
We are particularly interested in work that advances our knowledge on astrocyte heterogeneity, mitochondrial dynamics, calcium signaling, transcriptional and epigenetic regulation, metabolic reprogramming, reactive astrogliosis, and glial crosstalk. Studies employing single-cell technologies, spatial transcriptomics, imaging, optogenetics, or human-derived models (e.g., iPSC-based systems) are highly encouraged. Contributions that identify novel astrocytic biomarkers or therapeutic targets are also welcome.
We welcome the submission of original research articles, reviews, perspectives, and methodological papers that address the multifaceted roles of astrocytes in the central nervous system. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Astrocyte development, maturation, and regional heterogeneity;
- Astrocyte–neuron, astrocyte–microglia, and astrocyte–vascular interactions;
- Mitochondrial dynamics, metabolic regulation, and redox signaling in astrocytes;
- Astrocytic responses to aging, inflammation, injury, and neurodegeneration;
- Epigenetic and transcriptional control of astrocyte identity and reactivity;
- Human iPSC-derived astrocyte models and organoid-based approaches;
- Novel imaging, genetic, or single-cell technologies applied to astrocyte research;
- Translational studies identifying astrocytic biomarkers or therapeutic targets;
- Clinical correlations and postmortem analyses of astrocyte dysfunction in brain disorders.
This Special Issue aims to provide a platform for high-impact studies that advance the understanding of astrocyte biology and offer innovative perspectives for therapeutic intervention in neurological diseases.
Dr. Luan Pereira Diniz
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- astrocytes
- mitochondrial dynamics
- neuroinflammation
- glia–neuron interaction
- brain aging
- synaptic regulation
- neurodegenerative diseases
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- astrocyte-targeted therapy
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