Grant: Project Grant

Scientists study neurons based on knowledge of their anatomy which underlies their ability to receive, integrate, and transmit information. While much has been learned about the organizing principles of neurons, the structural basis of other brain cell types lags behind. This is particularly true for non-neuronal cells in the central nervous system (CNS) called an astrocytes, which play an key role in brain function and disease. Understanding the anatomical 'signatures' for astrocytes within the brain is important to uncover their physiological and integrative properties, and will aid in detecting and managing changes to these cells in CNS diseases including Alzheimer's disease. Overlaid on the intricate anatomy of an astrocyte is a sophisticated molecular program contributing to their development, physiology, and ability to communicate with other cells. Astrocytes likely use an array of mechanisms to communicate with other cells in the brain. However, our knowledge of these mechanisms remains limited. Investigations are needed to expose new mechanisms allowing astrocytes to maintain their unique structure and perform integrative roles in the CNS. This proposal will resolve the structural complexity of astrocytes in the heathy and AD brain using newly developed microscopy and computational approaches, uncover new molecular/structural adaptations that allow astrocytes to control brain physiology, and harness the power of inter-disciplinary research by working in the fields of cellular/molecular neuroscience and computer science.