北京大学神经科学研究所研究生学术报告

　　题目：Cornerstone of neuron-astrocyte interaction: the intimate relationship between astrocytes and glutamate

　　报告人：柴睿超 （于常海教授组）

　　摘要：

　　Increasing evidence indicates that astrocytes are active communication elements in the central nervous system (CNS).  Besides receiving neuronal signals, astrocytes influence neuronal activities through direct contact or releasing “gliotransmitters”, including glutamate (Glu).  Understanding neuron-astrocyte interactions is critical for understanding various physiological and pathological processes in the CNS. Glu, the principle excitatory neurotransmitter, plays an indispensible role in the neuron-astrocyte interaction. It also exhibits a complex and intimate relationship with astrocytes; understanding this relationship is the cornerstone for understanding Glu-mediated neuron-astrocyte interactions. Astrocytes serve as the regulator of Glu homeostasis through clearing Glu from synapses, and are also the source of Glu for the brain. Glu in astrocytes is involved in glutamine synthesis and is metabolized through TCA cycle. However, Glu consumption in these pathways does not account for total Glu internalized into astrocytes, indicating a hidden function of intracellular Glu in astrocytes. In our studies, we observed an astrocyte specific swelling of nuclei in response to extracellular Glu. We identified the specializations involved in the process and found that Glu also modulates gene expression. This suggests that astrocytes play an active role in neuronal communications and sets the basis for further investigations.

　　主持人： 伊鸣    北京大学神经科学研究所

　　（mingyi@hsc.pku.edu.cn）

　　时 间： 2012年6月15日（周五）13:30-14:30

　　地 点： 北京大学神经科学研究所会议室

　　（北京大学医学部中心实验楼一层北侧）