Activity-dependent modulation of synapse-regulating genes in astrocytes.

ABSTRACT: Astrocytes regulate the formation and function of neuronal synapses via multiple signals; however, what controls regional and temporal expression of these signals during development is unknown. We determined the expression profile of astrocyte synapse-regulating genes in the developing mouse visual cortex, identifying astrocyte signals that show differential temporal and layer-enriched expression. These patterns are not intrinsic to astrocytes, but regulated by visually evoked neuronal activity, as they are absent in mice lacking glutamate release from thalamocortical terminals. Consequently, synapses remain immature. Expression of synapse-regulating genes and synaptic development is also altered when astrocyte signaling is blunted by diminishing calcium release from astrocyte stores. Sing

SUBMITTER: Farhy-Tselnicker I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8497060 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature