Astrocyte subtype dynamics in mood disorders: Current insights and future directions

Astrocytes are increasingly recognized as key contributors to the pathophysiology of mood disorders. Dynamic changes in astrocyte subtypes have emerged as critical factors influencing the progression and outcomes of these conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge regarding astrocyte subtype dynamics in mood disorders, including their underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic implications. Changes in astrocyte subtypes changes are closely associated with inflammatory responses, metabolic changes, cell signaling pathway, epigenetic regulation, and ion channel functions. Mood disorders are strongly linked to astrocyte dysfunction and phenotypic transformations. This review highlights the central role of astrocyte subtype dynamics in the pathogenesis of mood disorders and underscores the need for further investigation of the underlying mechanisms. Targeting astrocyte subtype dynamics may therefore represent a promising therapeutic strategy for mood disorders.