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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 3, 2026

Implantation of a Cranial Window for Repeated In Vivo Imaging in Awake Mice

Implantation of a Cranial Window for Repeated In Vivo Imaging in Awake Mice

Published on: June 22, 2021

Astrocyte-synapse structural plasticity.

Yann Bernardinelli¹, Dominique Muller¹, Irina Nikonenko¹

¹Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.

Neural Plasticity

|February 11, 2014

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Astrocytes, a type of glial cell, actively regulate synaptic transmission and plasticity. Their dynamic structural changes influence synaptic function, highlighting their crucial role in the brain's neural environment.

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Last Updated: May 3, 2026

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Published on: August 16, 2018

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Synaptic Plasticity

Background:

Synaptic transmission efficacy depends on neuronal components and the surrounding microenvironment.
Glial cells, particularly astrocytes, are integral to synaptic function, offering trophic support and modulating transmission.
Astrocytes interact closely with glutamatergic synapses, influencing neuronal activity and communication.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the multifaceted roles of astrocytes in synaptic regulation.
To explore the mechanisms underlying astrocytic structural plasticity.
To examine the impact of astrocytic plasticity on synaptic structure and function.

Main Methods:

Review of experimental evidence on astrocyte-synapse interactions.
Analysis of calcium signaling in astrocytes in response to neuronal activity.
Investigation of astrocytic process restructuring and synaptic coverage.

Main Results:

Astrocytes sense neuronal activity via intracellular calcium changes.
Evidence suggests bidirectional communication between astrocytes and neurons.
Astrocytes exhibit rapid structural plasticity, altering synaptic coverage.

Conclusions:

Astrocytes play a critical role in modulating synaptic properties, function, and plasticity.
Astrocytic structural plasticity is a key mechanism influencing synaptic organization.
Further research is needed to fully elucidate astrocyte-neuron interactions and their functional consequences.