astrocyte mature astrocyte https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0002627 Mature astrocytes are reportedly able to produce aspartate, ATP, BDNF, BMP-2a, BMP-3, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL19, CCL20,CD40L, CNTF, CTGF, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL8, edn-1, aFGF, bFGF, G-CSF, glutamate, GM-CSF, IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, IFN-gamma, IGF-1, IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-2, Il-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, LIF, MIP-2, NGF, nitric oxide, NT3, taurine, TGF-beta, TNF-alpha, TNF-beta. mature astrocytic glia A mature astrocyte that is capable of producing cytokines. Mature astrocytes are specialized glial cells found primarily in the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain and the spinal cord. They are named aftertheir star-like shape. Mature astrocytes are derived from radial glia, with the transition from radial glia to immature astrocytes, followed by maturation into the final functionally specialized form. They are further classified into two basic types: protoplasmic astrocytes present mainly in the grey matter and fibrous astrocytes in the white matter. Functionally, mature astrocytes play a central role in both the structure and function of the CNS through regulation of neurons. By secreting molecules, such as cytokines, that influence the formation, functioning, and elimination of synapses, they actively participate in the formation and modulation of synaptic connections between neurons. Additionally, they also possess a unique capability known as gliotransmission, referring to the astrocytes' ability to respond to and release neurotransmitters, which impacts neuronal signaling. The mature astrocytes also maintain the brain's homeostasis, which includes controlling the chemical environment, providing nutrients to nervous tissues, regulating blood flow, responding to injury, and maintaining the blood-brain barrier, a crucial defense mechanism of the brain. They metabolize neurotransmitters like glutamate to prevent neurotoxicity and help in the detoxification process. Furthermore, these cells play a vital role in neuroinflammation and reactive gliosis, a response to trauma or neurodegenerative diseases, and assist in repairing damaged neural tissues. Thus, the versatile mature astrocytes play multiple roles and significantly contribute to the correct functioning and reparative process of the CNS. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) activated astrocyte