The Origin of Astrocytes Revealed

A major discovery in neuroscience: a study from the Faculty of Medicine (FacMed) and the Synapsy Center at the University of Geneva uncovers that cortical astrocytes originate from two distinct progenitor cell types.

Long considered a uniform support cell population, astrocytes are now recognized as diverse and essential players in brain function, involved in blood-brain barrier formation, synaptic regulation, and neurological diseases.

Using high-resolution single-cell sequencing, Riccardo Bocchi’s team identified five subtypes of cortical astrocytes. While some arise from Emx1⁺ progenitors, previously believed to be the sole source, a second lineage expressing Olig2 plays a key role in synapse formation. Disabling Olig2 in mice led to fewer astrocytes of this type and a significant drop in synapse numbers, highlighting their importance in neural connectivity.

This discovery has implications for regenerative medicine. Targeting specific astrocyte lineages could improve strategies for neuron replacement (e.g., after stroke) or help restore synaptic function in psychiatric disorders.

As Bocchi notes, “Understanding astrocyte diversity is a crucial step toward personalized brain therapies.”

This study has been published in Nature Communications.

➡️ Source: UNIGE |📸 ©Riccardo Bocchi