MFN2-associated astrocyte dysfunction contributes to neuronal hyperexcitability and depressive-like behaviors
Feng-xia Ma, Min Wang, Shuo-yan Fang, Xiao-xin Wang, Shen-han Xu, Xin-xin Zhao, Yu-xiao Liu, Cong Wang, Chen Qiao, Qiu-ling Wang, Lei Cao · 2026
Read MFN2-associated astrocyte dysfunction contributes to neuronal hyperexcitability and depressive-like behaviors by Feng-xia Ma, Min Wang, Shuo-yan Fang, Xiao-xin Wang, Shen-han Xu, Xin-xin Zhao, Yu-xiao Liu, Cong Wang, Chen Qiao, Qiu-ling Wang, Lei Cao (2026) in the Tower of Babel, a free online library of public-domain works preserved in clean, searchable text. No sign-up. The full text is served as a plain-text file at a predictable URL, where text is present: https://antarctic-labs.com/tower-of-babel/pmc-13674505.txt.
Description
Feng-xia Ma and co-authors present a 2026 study linking a support-cell problem in the brain to depression-like behavior. The support cells, called astrocytes, help clear a key brain signal chemical and keep nerve cells in balance. The team focused on a protein that shapes the energy units inside these cells.
In mice put through chronic social stress, gene profiling of these support cells showed the protein's gene switched on more strongly. The cells' energy units fused too much and cleared worn parts poorly. The study ties that failure to overactive nerve cells and depression-like acts in the animals. The work shifts attention from nerve cells alone to the support cells around them. It also names a fresh target for future treatment research.
Catalog record
| CREATOR | Feng-xia Ma, Min Wang, Shuo-yan Fang, Xiao-xin Wang, Shen-han Xu, Xin-xin Zhao, Yu-xiao Liu, Cong Wang, Chen Qiao, Qiu-ling Wang, Lei Cao |
|---|---|
| YEAR | 2026 |
| COLLECTION | PAPERS |
| FORMAT | TXT |
| FILE SIZE | 68 KB |
| VERSION | 1.0 |
| LICENSE | CC BY 4.0 |
| RIGHTS | CC BY |
| SOURCE | Europe PMC |