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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 6, 2026

Inducing Plasticity of Astrocytic Receptors by Manipulation of Neuronal Firing Rates
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The Active Astrocyte: Calcium Dynamics, Circuit Modulation, and Targets for Intervention.

Dmitri A Rusakov1, Thomas P Jensen2, Olga Tyurikova2

  • 1UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom. d.rusakov@ucl.ac.uk.

Neurochemical Research
|September 27, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Astrocytes actively participate in brain communication via calcium (Ca²⁺) signaling, influencing neuronal networks. Giorgio Carmignoto

Keywords:
Astrocyte calcium microdomainsGliotransmissionTripartite synapse

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Astrocyte Biology
  • Synaptic Transmission

Background:

  • Astrocytes were traditionally viewed as passive glial support cells.
  • Emerging evidence highlights astrocytes' active role in synaptic communication through calcium (Ca²⁺) signaling, termed gliotransmission.
  • Giorgio Carmignoto's research has been pivotal in establishing astrocytes as key components of the tripartite synapse.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review Giorgio Carmignoto's foundational contributions to understanding astrocyte function in synaptic communication.
  • To emphasize the role of astrocytic Ca²⁺ signaling in modulating neuronal activity, plasticity, and network behavior.
  • To explore the implications of astrocytic Ca²⁺ dynamics in both physiological and pathological conditions, such as epilepsy.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized genetically encoded calcium indicators for monitoring astrocyte Ca²⁺ dynamics.
  • Employed optogenetic tools and advanced imaging techniques like multi-photon microscopy for in vivo observation of astrocyte activity.
  • Developed automated data analysis pipelines to investigate fine-scale astrocytic microdomain dynamics.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated that intracellular Ca²⁺ fluctuations in astrocytes trigger the release of signaling molecules, affecting neuronal circuits.
  • Linked astrocytic Ca²⁺ waves to network-level phenomena and pathological states, including epilepsy.
  • Advanced technological approaches for studying astrocyte function in vivo and analyzing complex data.

Conclusions:

  • Astrocytes are integral to synaptic function through Ca²⁺-dependent gliotransmission.
  • Astrocytic dysfunction is implicated in neurological disorders like epilepsy and dopaminergic dysregulation.
  • Future research directions include elucidating gliotransmitter mechanisms, understanding astrocyte heterogeneity, and developing targeted interventions.