Key Role of Astrocytes in Postnatal Brain and Retinal Angiogenesis
Metadatos
Mostrar el registro completo del ítemAbstract: Angiogenesis is a key process in various physiological and pathological conditions in
the nervous system and in the retina during postnatal life. Although an increasing number of
studies have addressed the role of endothelial cells in this event, the astrocytes contribution in
angiogenesis has received less attention. This review is focused on the role of astrocytes as a scaffold
and in the stabilization of the new blood vessels, through different molecules release, which can
modulate the angiogenesis process in the brain and in the retina. Further, differences in the astrocytes
phenotype are addressed in glioblastoma, one of the most devastating types of brain cancer, in order
to provide potential targets involved in the cross signaling between endothelial cells, astrocytes and
glioma cells, that mediate tumor progression and pathological angiogenesis. Given the relevance of
astrocytes in angiogenesis in physiological and pathological conditions, future studies are required to
better understand the interrelation between endothelial and astrocyte signaling pathways during
this process.