Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026
10:10
Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes
Published on: October 4, 2018
The astrocytic connectome: Gap-Junction topology beyond diffuse syncytium
Jia-Qi Zhang1, Wei Sun2, Wei-Lin Jin3
1Central Laboratory, Nanxiang Branch of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201802, China.
Trends in Cell Biology
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Astrocytes form unique, adaptable long-range networks via gap junctions, distinct from neuronal pathways. This research clarifies astrocyte communication and brain connectivity models.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Neuroanatomy
Background:
- The existence and nature of long-range astrocyte networks are debated.
- Understanding astrocyte communication is crucial for brain function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether astrocytes form selective long-range networks.
- To characterize the properties of astrocyte gap-junction networks.
Main Methods:
- Utilized connexin 43-TurboID technology.
- Examined astrocyte gap-junction networks in specific brain regions.
Main Results:
- Revealed region-specific and plastic astrocyte gap-junction networks.
- Demonstrated that these networks partly overlap but are not solely dependent on neuronal projections.
- Provided evidence for astrocyte syncytial coupling.
Conclusions:
- Astrocyte networks are distinct from neuronal projections.
- This study refines the understanding of astrocyte syncytial coupling.
- Expands models of inter-regional brain connectivity.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Gap Junctions
The cytoplasm of adjacent animal cells can exchange small molecules, ions, and secondary messengers via the communication channels which form the gap junctions. These junctions comprise a few hundred to thousands of molecular channels, each made of two halves, called the connexon hemichannel. A connexon is a hexamer of six transmembrane connexin proteins, which assemble radially, thus forming a pore or channel in the center. One connexon hemichannel docks with a corresponding connexon on the...
01:37Gap Junctions
Multicellular organisms employ a variety of ways for cells to communicate with each other. Gap junctions are specialized proteins that form pores between neighboring cells in animals, connecting the cytoplasm between the two, and allowing for the exchange of molecules and ions. They are found in a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate species, mediate numerous functions including cell differentiation and development, and are associated with numerous human diseases, including cardiac and...
01:30Neuron Structure
Neurons are the main type of cell in the nervous system that generate and transmit electrochemical signals. They primarily communicate with each other using neurotransmitters at specific junctions called synapses. Neurons come in many shapes that often relate to their function, but most share three main structures: an axon and dendrites that extend out from a cell body.
Structure and Function of Neurons
The neuronal cell body—the soma— houses the nucleus and organelles vital to cellular...
Structure and Function of Neurons
The neuronal cell body—the soma— houses the nucleus and organelles vital to cellular...
01:25Overview of Synapses
A synapse is a specialized structure where two neurons connect, allowing them to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron. It is the point of communication between neurons. The term "synapse" is derived from the Greek word "synapsis," which means "conjunction." The entire process of neural communication revolves around the synapse. When activated, a neuron releases chemicals known as neurotransmitters into the synapse. These neurotransmitters cross the synapse and bind to...
01:14Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions
The complex three-dimensional arrangement of cells in any multicellular organism is defined and maintained by interactions of cells with each other and the extracellular matrix. Cell-cell junctions are specialized structures where the multi-protein complexes on one cell interact with the multi-protein complexes on another cell. These cell junctions are classified into three main types based on their function — occluding, anchoring, and gap junctions.
Occluding or Tight Junctions
Tight...
Occluding or Tight Junctions
Tight...
01:14Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions
The complex three-dimensional arrangement of cells in any multicellular organism is defined and maintained by interactions of cells with each other and the extracellular matrix. Cell-cell junctions are specialized structures where the multi-protein complexes on one cell interact with the multi-protein complexes on another cell. These cell junctions are classified into three main types based on their function — occluding, anchoring, and gap junctions.
Occluding or Tight Junctions
Tight...
Occluding or Tight Junctions
Tight...