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News | 24/02/2025 | Press Release

New study identifies unique white matter astrocytes with regenerative potential

A research team led by Dr. Judith Fischer-Sternjak from Helmholtz Munich and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, alongside Prof. Magdalena Götz from Helmholtz Munich, LMU and SyNergy, has identified different subtypes of white matter (WM) astrocytes, including a unique type with the ability to multiply and potentially aid in brain repair. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, the scientists mapped astrocyte diversity across different brain regions and species, providing the first detailed molecular profile of WM astrocytes.
Judith Fischer-Sternjak
 Proliferative astrocytes in the white matter of the murine brain.

Unveiling White Matter Astrocyte Diversity

Astrocytes, known for their crucial role in supporting neurons and maintaining brain health, have been predominantly studied in gray matter (GM), which is involved in information processing. However, white matter astrocytes, which support long-range neural connections, remain poorly understood. This study fills a major knowledge gap by showing that WM astrocytes are not a uniform population but consist of distinct subtypes with specialized roles.

“Our findings challenge the traditional view that white matter astrocytes are a homogeneous population,” says Judith Fischer-Sternjak. “Instead, we see clear evidence of specialized subtypes, including one with significant proliferative capacity, which could be harnessed for brain repair.”

“As we have shown previously that proliferating astrocytes can be harnessed for repair, we are very excited to find these even in the WM of healthy brains,” adds Magdalena Götz.