Astrocytes derived from ASD individuals alter behavior and destabilize neuronal activity through aberrant Ca²⁺ signaling.

ABSTRACT: The cellular mechanisms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are poorly understood. Cumulative evidence suggests that abnormal synapse function underlies many features of this disease. Astrocytes regulate several key neuronal processes, including the formation of synapses and the modulation of synaptic plasticity. Astrocyte abnormalities have also been identified in the postmortem brain tissue of ASD individuals. However, it remains unclear whether astrocyte pathology plays a mechanistic role in ASD, as opposed to a compensatory response. To address this, we combined stem cell culturing with transplantation techniques to determine disease-specific properties inherent to ASD astrocytes. We demonstrate that ASD astrocytes induce repetitive behavior as well as impair memory and long-term potenti

SUBMITTER: Allen M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9135629 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature