Cited by 71Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchNeuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration MechanismsNeurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms

Properties of human astrocytes and NG2 glia

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Bedner, Peter, Jabs, Ronald, Steinhäuser, Christian·2020·Glia

Abstract

Since animal models are inevitable for medical research, information on species differences in glial cell properties is critical for successful translational research. Here, we review current knowledge about morphological and functional properties of human astrocytes and NG2 glial cells and compare these data with those obtained for the comparable cells in rodents. Morphological analyses of astrocytes in the neocortex of rodents versus humans have demonstrated clear differences. In contrast, the functional properties of astrocytes or NG2 glial cells in these species are surprisingly similar. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution, as so far functional analyses of human cells are only available from neocortex and hippocampus, and it is known from rodent studies that the properties of astrocytes in different brain regions may vary considerably. Moreover, technical challenges render astrocyte electrophysiological measurements in situ unreliable, and human cell properties may be affected by medications. Nevertheless, based on the limited data currently available, there is substantial similarity between human and rodent astrocytes with regard to those functional properties studied to date. The unique morphological characteristics of astrocytes in human neocortex call for further physiological analysis. The basic properties for NG2 glia are even less completely evaluated with regard to the question of species differences but no glaring differences have been reported so far. In conclusion, it remains justifiable to employ mouse or rat models to investigate the etiology of human CNS diseases that might involve astrocytes or NG2 glia.

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  • Some basic functional properties of astrocytes are evolutionarily conserved between humans and rodents.

    “Although some basic functional properties of astrocytes have been shown to be evolutionarily conserved between humans and rodents100”

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Authors
Bedner, P., Jabs, R., & Steinhäuser, C.
Affiliations
University of Bonn (DE)
Corresponding author
Steinhäuser, Christian
Venue
Glia
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2019-10-09
Volume
68
Issue
4
Pages
756-767
ISSN
  • 0894-1491 (ISSN-L)
  • 1098-1136
OpenAlex
W2979411951
Cited by
71
References
118
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 15 · 2021: 10 · 2020: 13 · 2019: 2
FWCI
1.33
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Glia (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (CONNEXIN)
  • H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (722053)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Neurology › Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Developmental Neuroscience › Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
Keywords
human astrocytes, species differences, astrocyte morphology, astrocyte function, neocortex, hippocampus, rodent models, translational research, central nervous system disorders
MeSH terms
Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan 4, Antigens, Astrocytes, Cell Communication, Humans, Neuroglia, Proteoglycans, Cell Culture Techniques, Cell Shape

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