Progress in neurobiology
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It is established that astrocytes are the intimate partner of neurons throughout their lifespan. However, astrocytes play different roles at different stages of the lifespan. During neurogenesis and early development, glial cells provide a scaffold for the correct migration of neurons and growth cones. ⋯ Thus, astrocytes can be expected to modify the expression of endogenous neurotoxins and thus contribute to synaptic plasticity in ageing. Synaptic plasticity continues to be a homeostatic relationship between neurons and glial cells. The possibility of signaling from astrocytes to neurons has opened new horizons for glial cell function and new challenges of research for gliobiologists.