Intriguing role of the Golgi apparatus in astrocyte function: Implications for disorders

Cell function has a tight relationship with cell architecture. Distribution of proteins to the correct compartment is one of the functions of the traffic pathway through the Golgi apparatus. The others are to ensure proper protein folding, the addition of post-translational modifications, and delivering to intracellular and extracellular destinations. Astrocytes are fundamental homeostatic cells, controlling multiple aspects of the central nervous system physiology, such as ion balance, nutrients, blood flow, neurotransmitters, and responses to insults. Astrocytes are polarized cells, and, such as neurons, extensively use the secretory pathway for secreting factors and exposing functional receptors, channels, and transporters on the plasma membrane. In this review, we will underline the importance of studying the Golgi apparatus and the secretory pathway in astrocytes, based on the possible tight connection between the Golgi apparatus and astrocytes’ homeostatic function. Given the topic of this review, we will provide examples mostly about the Golgi apparatus structure, function, localization, and its involvement in astrocytes’ homeostatic response, with an insight into congenital glycosylation disorders, as an example of a potential future field in the study of astrocyte homeostatic failure and Golgi apparatus alteration.