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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Investigation of Spatial Interaction Between Astrocytes and Neurons in Cleared Brains

Investigation of Spatial Interaction Between Astrocytes and Neurons in Cleared Brains

Published on: March 31, 2022

Astroengrams: rethinking the cellular substrate for memory.

Javier Sánchez Romero^1,2, Marta Navarrete^3,4

¹Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Madrid, Spain.

Nature Reviews. Neuroscience

|January 1, 2026

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study reveals that non-neuronal cells, specifically astrocytes, play a crucial role in memory formation and recall. Coordinated activity between neuronal and astrocyte engrams, termed 'astroengrams', provides a new framework for understanding memory.

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Last Updated: Jan 7, 2026

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Published on: March 31, 2022

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Culturing In Vivo-like Murine Astrocytes Using the Fast, Simple, and Inexpensive AWESAM Protocol

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Published on: January 10, 2018

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cellular Biology
Cognitive Science

Background:

Traditional memory research focused on neurons, neglecting non-neuronal cells.
Memory is thought to reside in neuronal ensembles called engrams.
Astrocytes, a type of glial cell, are increasingly recognized for their role in cognitive functions.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of astrocytes in memory formation and recall.
To challenge the neurocentric view of memory substrates.
To propose a new cellular framework for memory involving both neurons and astrocytes.

Main Methods:

Utilized activity-dependent tools to study astrocyte activation during learning and recall.
Examined the ensemble activity patterns of astrocytes.
Compared astrocyte ensemble reactivation with neuronal engram reactivation.

Main Results:

Astrocytes, contrary to prior assumptions, activate in sparse ensembles.
Reactivation of astrocyte ensembles recruited during learning leads to memory recall.
Identified 'astroengrams' – astrocyte ensembles that activate during learning.

Conclusions:

Engrams are composed of both neurons and astrocytes.
Coordinated activity of neuronal and astrocytic engrams is essential for memory storage and recall.
This integrated framework redefines the cellular basis of memory.