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The calcium-binding protein S100β regulates synaptic plasticity in the visual cortex
Yanis Inglebert1,2, Rafael Sanz-Gálvez1,2, Arlette Kolta1,2,3
1Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.
Iscience
|May 11, 2026
Summary
Astrocytes and S100β protein regulate synaptic plasticity, a key brain mechanism for memory. This study shows S100β is crucial for long-term potentiation in the visual cortex.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Synaptic plasticity, including spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP), is vital for brain memory storage.
- Astrocytes modulate neuronal function via gliotransmitter release, but their role in plasticity is understudied.
- S100β, a glial calcium-binding protein, influences extracellular calcium and calcium-dependent processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of astrocytes and S100β in synaptic plasticity.
- To examine S100β's influence on synaptic plasticity at layer 2/3-layer 5 synapses in the visual cortex.
Main Methods:
- Electrophysiological recordings in the visual cortex.
- Investigation of synaptic plasticity at layer 2/3-layer 5 synapses.
- Focus on the role of S100β and astrocytes.
Main Results:
- S100β was identified as a significant regulator of synaptic plasticity.
- Demonstrated S100β's critical role in long-term potentiation (LTP).
Conclusions:
- Astrocytes, through S100β, play an important role in regulating synaptic plasticity.
- S100β is a key modulator of long-term potentiation in the visual cortex.
