Regulation of rhythmic behaviors by astrocytes

Glial astrocytes of vertebrates and invertebrates are important modulators of nervous system development, physiology, and behavior. In all species examined, astrocytes of the adult brain contain conserved circadian clocks, and multiple studies have shown that these glial cells participate in the regulation of circadian behavior and sleep. This short review summarizes recent work, using fruit fly (Drosophila) and mouse models, that document participation of astrocytes and their endogenous circadian clocks in the control of rhythmic behavior. This article is categorized under: Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Regulatory Mechanisms Nervous System Development > Flies.