DDX41 and Alzheimer disease: However, recent evidence shows that astrocytes also play pivotal roles in the onset and progression of human AD, being more numerous than neurons, establishing extended inter-astrocyte networks via gap junctions, forming teams with client neurons, wrapping tripartite synapses, sheltering neurons from environmental toxins, and exchanging with them physiological and pathological (e.g., Aβs) metabolic compounds46–48.