User:Burgart/Satellite Glial Cells

Proposal
It is well known and appreciated that glial cells within the nervous system act as support cells, providing a variety of services that aid the brain in the completion of its daily functions while also making sure that the brain is well-maintained. Many types of glial cells, like astrocytes and microglia, and their roles in the nervous system are well understood by the general public. However, others, like the glial satellite cells are less understood. Through extensive research, we hope that we will be able to write a strong Wikipedia article that explains the basics behind these cells. The article will also go into greater depth in areas that will discuss the structure and function of these cells, the types that exist, their clinical significance, potential therapeutic applications, and current ongoing research. We also hope to have a list of related topics present at the bottom of the page in order to encourage our readers to further explore related topics which we have deemed relevant to the study of glial satellite cells.

Here is the outline for our page (subject to change as research continues):


 * 1) Introduction/Overview (and picture)
 * 2) Location
 * 3) Structure/Anatomy
 * 4) Genetic markers
 * 5) Importance of gap junctions
 * 6) Role/Physiology
 * 7) Mediation of neuronal microenvironment (intracellular calcium, neurotransmitter transporters, etc.)
 * 8) Neuronal development, maintenance, and repair (parallel to role of glial cells in CNS)
 * 9) Pharmacological Properties
 * 10) Therapeutic Applications
 * 11) Associations with pain (including recent/current research)
 * 12) Associations with herpes
 * 13) Directions for future research
 * 14) See also
 * 15) References

Much of the research on our topic is very new, having been explored in the past 15 – 20 years. As a result, there are very few books available to us in our research. Over the next few weeks, we will attempt to find what we can in terms of hardcover sources. That being said, the amount of primary literature available surrounding recent and current research with glial satellite cells is vast and impressive. In quick searches using Boston College’s library page, it was noted that several thousand articles appeared as results; thus, the majority of our research will come from these articles.

We plan to divide the work equally, with each of us tackling between two and four of the major subheadings, depending on the amount of work and editing it will take to make each section successful. Obviously, the person in charge of the “See also” will be assigned an additional section since the aforementioned part will only contain links to other Wikipedia pages. Additionally, all three of us will be responsible for keeping the references section up to date, ensuring that all citations will be listed in their proper order. We also hope to meet at biweekly from now until the time the completed article will be posted on March 25, as to keep in touch with one another in regards to the progress being made, both in terms of research and writing. These meetings will also serve as support for ensuring that all editing and formatting will be up to Wikipedia’s standards. Pharmocolocical properties

Physiological Role
Research is currently ongoing in determining the physiological role of satellite glial cells. Current theories suggest that SGC's have a significant role in controlling the microenvironment of the sympathetic ganglia. This is biased on the observation that that SGC's almost completely envelop the neuron and can regulate the diffusion of molecules. It has been previously shown that when fluorescent protein tracers are injected into the cervical ganglion, in order to bypass the circulatory system, they are not found on the neuron surface.This suggests that the SGC's can regulate the extracellular space of individual neurons. Some speculate that SGC's in the autonomic ganglia have a similar role to the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) as a functional barrier to large molecules.

SGC's role as a regulator of neuronal microenvironment is further characterized by its electrical properties which are very similar to that of astrocytes. Astrocytes have a well studied and defined role in controlling the microenvironment within the brain, therefore researchers are investigating any homologous role of SGC's within the sympathetic ganglia

Pharmacological Properties
Although sensory neurons receive no synapses, they are endowed with receptors for a variety of neuroactive substances. Axon terminals as well as other parts of the neuron carry receptors to substances such as acetylcholine (ACh), GABA, glutamate, ATP, noradrenaline, substance P and capsaicin. Current research is revealing that SGC’s are also able to respond to some of the same chemical stimuli as neurons. The research ongoing and SGC's role in injury repair mechanisms is still not fully understood.

Neuroactive Chemicals Affecting SGC's

 * 1) Nitric oxide (NO) - Activation of neuron repair networks
 * 2) Endothelins - Function varies based on cell type; associated with pain in several animal models
 * 3) Bradykinin - Role in pain and inflammatory process
 * 4) Acetylcholine (ACh)- Receptors present, but no defined function in SGC's
 * 5) carbon monoxide (CO) - Role in regeneration of neurons in response to injury