Astrocyte Store-Released Calcium Modulates Visual Cortex Synapse Development and Circuit Function.

ABSTRACT: Astrocytes, a major class of glial cells, are critical regulators of synapse development during early postnatal life. While dysregulation of this process is implicated in numerous neurological disorders, the precise mechanisms by which astrocytes guide synapse formation and maturation remain poorly understood. A central signaling pathway for astrocytes is the dynamic fluctuation of intracellular calcium (Ca²⁺), which can arise from various sources and modulate a wide range of downstream effects. A key astrocytic mechanism for integrating neuronal signals is the release of Ca²⁺ from endoplasmic reticulum stores mediated by the IP3 Receptor Type 2 (IP3R2). Although defects in this signaling pathway have been mainly linked to adult brain dysfunction, its role in shaping

SUBMITTER: Imrie G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12330507 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature