Effects of Neurotrophic Factors in Glial Cells in the Central Nervous System: Expression and Properties in Neurodegeneration and Injury

Conclusion and Future Aspects This review summarizes available NTF expression data, compiles existing evidence on the effects of glial NTF signaling in healthy conditions and in disease models (Figure 1), and highlights the importance of this topic for future studies. The relationship between NTFs and glia is crucial for both the developing and adult brain. While some of these factors, such as NT-3 and CNTF, have highly potent effects on gliogenesis, others like BDNF and GDNF, are important for glia-mediated synapse formation. Neurotrophic factors play significant roles during neurodegenerative disorders. In many cases, these are evident by their altered temporal regulation in glial cells. As some exogenously administered NTFs, such as BDNF and NGF, affect glial activation states with beneficial effects on disease outcomes, they are promising candidates for future therapies. Particularly in the case of ischemic stroke, modulation of inflammation and astrocyte scar formation could prevent delayed damage and widen the current, narrow therapeutic time window. The survival and differentiation promoting properties of NTFs on glia have also been established. In demyelinating disease models, NT-3 and BDNF have been linked to less severe phenotypes. As such, their potential to ameliorate the symptoms of and enhance recovery in diseases such as MS should not be overlooked. An improved understanding of the involvement of glia and NTFs in the etiology of neurological disorders is esse...
Source: Frontiers in Physiology - Category: Physiology Source Type: research