Study identifies ligand-receptor pairs driving the development of astrocytes

Astrocytes are a type of glial cell in the central nervous system that clear excess neurotransmitters, promote the formation of synapses (i.e., connections between neurons), and perform other functions. The development of astrocytes, like that of other glial cells, is partly supported by extrinsic ligands. Ligands are molecules that bind to a receiving protein, known as a receptor, eliciting various cellular responses.