Dysfunctional serotonergic neuron-astrocyte signaling in depressive-like states

Astrocytes play crucial roles in brain homeostasis and are regulatory elements of neuronal and synaptic physiology. Astrocytic alterations have been found in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) patients; however, the consequences of astrocyte Ca²⁺ signaling in MDD are poorly understood. Here, we found that corticosterone-treated juvenile mice (Cort-mice) showed altered astrocytic Ca²⁺ dynamics in mPFC both in resting conditions and during social interactions, in line with altered mice behavior. Additionally, Cort-mice displayed reduced serotonin (5-HT)-mediated Ca²⁺ signaling in mPFC astrocytes, and aberrant 5-HT-driven synaptic plasticity in layer 2/3 mPFC neurons. Downregulation of astrocyte Ca²⁺ signaling in naïve animals mimicked the synaptic deficits found in Cort-mice. Remarkably, boosting astrocyte Ca²⁺ signaling with Gq-DREADDS restored to the control levels mood and cognitive abilities in Cort-mice. This study highlights the important role of astrocyte Ca²⁺ signaling for homeostatic control of brain circuits and behavior, but also reveals its potential therapeutic value for depressive-like states.