The astrocytes' response to neuronal signals can also change; they can modulate how they respond to neurotransmitters such as dopamine and glutamate. “Astrocytes are really big, and a single cell can ...

Lead researcher Leo Kozachkov compares astrocytes to an octopus: the cell body is the “head,” and its many processes independently sense and affect synaptic activity, like tentacles.

Little-known cells might be key to human brain’s massive memory. A new model suggests that astrocytes might be used in computation, coordinating with neurons and connecting synapses in networks.

“When you’re startled or overwhelmed, there’s so much activity going on in your brain that you can’t take in any more information,” said Kira Poskanzer, PhD, an associate professor of biochemistry and ...

Meanwhile, for at least 30 years astrocytes have been shown to contact and interact with synapses, which are the specialized structures where neurons communicate with one another.

Intricate connections. The extensive biological connections between neurons and astrocytes offer support for the idea that this type of model might explain how the brain's memory storage systems ...

“Theoretically, if you reprogram only one astrocyte [into a progenitor], you can generate multiple neurons or astrocytes or oligodendrocytes through this expansion process,” Zhang said. The right ...

“Although social isolation also affects other brain cells, we are very excited about the discovery that specifically manipulating astrocytes is enough to restore learning and memory deficits triggered ...

This is converted to adenosine, which binds A1-adenosine receptors on nearby neurons, weakening synapses. In a parallel pathway, norepinephrine binding lowers cAMP in astrocytes, which prevents ...