This Research Topic is part of the 15 Year Anniversary of Cellular Neuroscience Research Topic series, which has been organized in collaboration with the Neuroscience portfolio at Frontiers to celebrate the 15 Year Anniversary of the journal by highlighting some of the most impactful research areas in this field and providing discussion around the latest advances in Astrocyte research as well as new research on this important topic.

Astrocytes, a type of glial cell in the central nervous system, have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their diverse roles in maintaining neural homeostasis, modulating synaptic activity, and contributing to neurodegenerative diseases. Despite their critical functions, the morphological heterogeneity of astrocytes across different brain regions and species remains underexplored. Current research has revealed that astrocytes exhibit variability in gap junctional coupling, expression of transmitter receptors, membrane currents, and glutamate transporters. However, the extent and implications of this heterogeneity are not fully understood. Recent studies have begun to uncover these differences, but a comprehensive understanding of how these variations influence astrocytic functions and their potential as therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative disorders is still lacking. Addressing these gaps is crucial for advancing our knowledge of cellular neuroscience and developing novel therapeutic strategies.

This Research Topic aims to elucidate the morphological heterogeneity of astrocytes and its implications for their functional roles in the central nervous system. By investigating the differences in astrocyte morphology across various brain regions and species, this research seeks to answer key questions about the extent of this heterogeneity and its impact on neural circuit integrity. The goal is to test hypotheses related to the regional and subregional functions of astrocytes, their membrane currents, receptor expression, and their potential as cellular targets for neurodegenerative therapies.

To gather further insights into the morphological heterogeneity of astrocytes, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Morphological heterogeneity in different brain regions
- Morphological differences between human and rodent astrocytes
- Roles of astrocytes in the central neuro axis and their potential as therapeutic targets
- Extent of heterogeneity in regional and subregional functions
- Heterogeneity of membrane currents
- Heterogeneity in glutamate receptor expression
- Heterogeneity in expression of other transmitter receptors
- Heterogeneity in glutamate transporter expression
- Heterogeneity in gap junction coupling
- Heterogeneity in Ca2+ signaling
- Heterogeneity in volume regulation
- Comparison of the physiological behavior of astrocytes
- Local specification of astrocytic functions and molecular controls
- Evolutionary changes in astrocytes and their contribution to higher cognitive functions

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Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience

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