Immortalized Human Astrocytes

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are immortalized human astrocytes?

  Immortalized human astrocytes are astrocyte cells derived from the human brain that have been genetically modified to proliferate indefinitely. This is typically achieved through the introduction of specific genes or viral vectors that prevent cellular senescence, allowing continuous cell division and growth.

• How are immortalized human astrocytes used in research?

  These cells are used in neuroscience research to study the roles of astrocytes in brain function, neurodevelopment, and neurodegenerative diseases. They provide a stable and reproducible model for investigating astrocyte biology, cell signaling, and interactions with neurons. They are also utilized in drug discovery and testing for treatments targeting the central nervous system.

• How do immortalized human astrocytes contribute to understanding neurodegenerative diseases?

  Immortalized human astrocytes contribute to the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases by providing a model to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions. Researchers can investigate how astrocytes contribute to disease progression, test potential therapeutic interventions, and explore the effects of genetic mutations and environmental factors on astrocyte function and survival. This helps in developing targeted treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS.