Transfer of glutamine between astrocytes and neurons

脑组织只由几种不同类型的细胞组成。这些细胞被分类为神经元、神经胶质细胞和中胚层起源的细胞。胶质细胞是大脑中最丰富的细胞类型，包括被称为星形胶质细胞的细胞。越来越多的证据表明，星形胶质细胞积极参与神经元功能的维持和调节。本研究主要研究星形胶质细胞在神经冲动传递过程中，为神经元释放的信号分子(神经递质)的形成提供前体的机制。它将确定这些过程是如何控制的，并试图开发干扰这一过程的抑制剂。该项目试图阐明星形胶质细胞是否通过调节前体供应来主动调节神经元功能。这项工作将对我们理解星形胶质细胞如何调节神经元活动做出重大贡献，这一过程在中风和癫痫等疾病中可能是至关重要的。更好地了解星形胶质细胞的生理学可能会导致改善对这些大脑功能障碍的治疗。

Brain tissue is comprised of only a few different cell types. These are classified as neurons, glial cells, and cells of mesodermal origin. Glial cells are the most abundant cell type in the brain and include cells known as astrocytes. There is increasing evidence that astrocytes are actively involved in the maintenance and regulation of neuronal function. This study focuses on the mechanisms by which astrocytes supply neurons with precursors for the formation of signalling molecules (neurotransmitters) released from neurons in the transmission of nerve impulses. It will establish how these processes are controlled and also try to develop inhibitors that interfere with this process . The project tries to elucidate whether astrocytes actively regulate neuronal functions by regulating precursor supply. The work will make a significant contribution to our understanding of how astrocytes regulate neuronal activity, a process that may be critical in conditions such as stroke and epilepsy. A better understanding of the physiology of astrocytes might lead to improved treatments for these disturbances of brain function.