Unveiling the functional connectivity of astrocytic networks with AstroNet, a graph reconstruction algorithm coupled to image processing.

ABSTRACT: Astrocytes form extensive networks with diverse calcium activity, yet the organization and connectivity of these networks across brain regions remain largely unknown. To address this, we developed AstroNet, a data-driven algorithm that uses two-photon calcium imaging to map temporal correlations in astrocyte activation. By organizing individual astrocyte activation events chronologically, our method reconstructs functional networks and extracts local astrocyte correlations. We create a graph of the astrocyte network by tallying direct co-activations between pairs of cells along these activation pathways. Applied to the CA1 hippocampus and motor cortex, AstroNet reveals notable differences: astrocytes in the hippocampus display stronger connectivity, while cortical astrocytes form sparser n

SUBMITTER: Zonca L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11759710 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature