Astrocyte-Driven Modulation of Whole-Brain Functional Networks and BOLD Signals Revealed by Optogenetic-fMRI
Zhuang Liu1, Li Wang2, Tiangang Lou3
1Department of Ultrasonography, Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
Neuroscience Bulletin
|February 11, 2026
Summary
Astrocytes actively influence brain activity, modulating neural signals and cerebral blood flow. This study reveals their pivotal role in neurovascular coupling, challenging traditional views of brain function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Astrocytes were traditionally viewed as passive support cells in the brain.
- Emerging evidence highlights their active role in modulating neural activity and signal transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of astrocyte activation on local field potentials (LFPs) and blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signals.
- To explore astrocyte influence on electrophysiological responses and neurovascular coupling using multimodal neuroimaging.
Main Methods:
- Combined chemogenetics and optogenetics with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
- Utilized a multimodal neuroimaging approach to assess astrocyte activation effects in specific brain regions like the prefrontal cortex (PFC).
Main Results:
- Astrocyte activation led to significant increases in LFP energy within Theta and Delta frequency bands.
- Optogenetic astrocyte reactivation evoked BOLD responses even after neuronal inhibition, indicating a role in cerebral blood flow regulation.
Conclusions:
- Astrocytes actively modulate neural dynamics and neurovascular coupling.
- Findings challenge conventional understanding of BOLD signal origins and emphasize astrocyte importance in brain connectivity and function.
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