Molecularly defined cortical astroglia subpopulation modulates neurons via secretion of Norrin.

ABSTRACT: Despite expanding knowledge regarding the role of astroglia in regulating neuronal function, little is known about regional or functional subgroups of brain astroglia and how they may interact with neurons. We use an astroglia-specific promoter fragment in transgenic mice to identify an anatomically defined subset of adult gray matter astroglia. Using transcriptomic and histological analyses, we generate a combinatorial profile for the in vivo identification and characterization of this astroglia subpopulation. These astroglia are enriched in mouse cortical layer V; express distinct molecular markers, including Norrin and leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 6 (LGR6), with corresponding layer-specific neuronal ligands; are found in the human cortex; and modulate neuron

SUBMITTER: Miller SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6551209 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature