Question

what cells play a role in synaptic development and how ?

Answer 1

Astrocytes are a major type of glia, a class of non-neuronal brain cells which also include oligodendrocytes, oligodendrocyte precursor cells and microglia

• Due to inability of neurons to survive without astrocytes, the role of astrocytes in several aspects of neuronal function, such as synapse formation and activity
• Astrocytes regulate synapses by direct contact and by secreting soluble factors that target pre and postsynaptic sites, thereby modulating the structure and function of both excitatory and inhibitory synapses
• This lead to concept of tripartite synapse”, a synapse composed of two neurons and an astrocyte as a functional unit
• In a tripartite synapse, the neurotransmitters released from neurons also bind receptors on the adjacent astrocyte process, activating signaling pathways in the astrocytes which modulate synaptic behavior.
• In addition to contacting neurons, astrocytes are interconnected with each other by gap junctions, specialized channels which allow nutrients and ions to diffuse between networks of astrocytes.