Revisiting astrocytic calcium signaling in the brain

Astrocytes, characterized by complex spongiform morphology, participate in various physiological processes, and abnormal changes in their calcium (Ca²⁺) signaling are implicated in central nervous system disorders. However, medications targeting the control of Ca²⁺ have fallen short of the anticipated therapeutic outcomes in clinical applications. This underscores the fact that our comprehension of this intricate regulation of calcium ions remains considerably incomplete. In recent years, with the advancement of Ca²⁺ labeling, imaging, and analysis techniques, Ca²⁺ signals have been found to exhibit high specificity at different spatial locations within the intricate structure of astrocytes. This has ushered the study of Ca²⁺ signaling in astrocytes into a new phase, leading to several groundbreaking research achievements. Despite this, the comprehensive understanding of astrocytic Ca²⁺ signaling and their implications remains challenging area for future research.