====== Astroplasticity ======

[[Astrocyte]]s exhibit dynamic and complex reactions to various [[insult]]s. 

Investigations into the transitions that occur during cellular specification, differentiation, maturation and disease responses have provided insights into understanding the mechanisms that underlie these altered states of reactivity and function. 

Patel et al.,from the Center for Neuroregeneration and Department of Neurosurgery of the [[Houston]] Methodist Research Institute, [[Texas]], [[USA]] summarize current concepts in how astrocyte state transitions, termed 'astroplasticity', are regulated and also how this affects neural circuit function through [[extracellular signal]]ing. 

They postulate that a promising future approach towards enhancing functional repair after [[injury]] and [[disease]] would be to steer astrocytes away from an inhibitory response and towards one that is beneficial to [[neuroplasticity]] and [[neuroregeneration]]. Toward this goal, they discuss emerging biotechnological advancements, with a focus on human pluripotent stem cell bioengineering, which have high potential for effective manipulation and control of astroplasticity. Highlights include innovations in cellular [[transdifferentiation]] techniques, [[nanomedicine,]] [[organoid]] and 3D spheroid microcircuit development, and the use of [[biomaterial]]s to influence the extracellular environment. Current barriers and future applications are also summarized in order to augment the design of future preclinical trials aimed towards astrocyte-targeted neuroregeneration with a concept termed 'astrocellular therapeutics'
((Patel R, Muir M, Cvetkovic C, Krencik R. Concepts towards directing human
astroplasticity to promote neuroregeneration. Dev Dyn. 2018 Jul 17. doi:
10.1002/dvdy.24655. [Epub ahead of print] Review. PubMed PMID: 30016584.
)).