Regulation of astrocytic chloride channels in health and disease

Introduction Astrocytes develop a variety of functions essential for brain homeostasis. Chloride channels may participate in some of these functions such as the regulation of cell volume, pH and the buffering of extracellular potassium. By studying the human disease Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy, we have uncovered some of the mechanism involved in the regulation of some of these channels (ClC-2, VRAC) and the physiological roles that they perform. Methods We use a multidisciplinary approach by applying imaging, electrophysiology and biochemistry methods in rat, mice and zebrafish models. Results We will show recent work that helps to understand the mechanisms of regulation of the ClC-2 and the VRAC channel Conclusions The understanding of the mechanism of regulation of these channels may be very important to understand the pathophysiology of some human diseases and the physiological roles of these channels in brain homeostasis.