Uncovering the role of cilia in astrocyte development and function
Astrocytes are a type of cells that act as crucial regulators of nearly all aspects of the brain. Different types of astrocytes exist; however, little is known about how different subtypes of astrocytes are created during development to differentially support their local neural circuits. Lizheng Wang, working in the laboratory of Jiami Guo at the University of Calgary, has discovered that a structure called the primary cilia acts as a small signaling antennae to transmit local cues and drive the region-specific diversification of astrocytes within the developing brain, and plays important roles in brain development.
Discovered over 100 years ago, primary cilia are only beginning to be appreciated for their significance in the brain. Researchers have recently demonstrated that primary cilia of neurons are indispensable in regulating major neuronal development and functions, while the presence and function of cilia in astrocytes remained unexplored. This study shows that perturbation of astrocytic cilia leads to disruption of neuronal development and connections in the brain. Mice with primary ciliary deficient astrocytes show behavioral deficits in sensorimotor function, sociability, learning and memory.