Andrew Samson

Postdoc from the Nedergaard Lab

Titel: Astrocytes mediate state-dependent plasticity of thalamocortical interactions

 

Abstract

Accurate perception of the world requires integration of external sensory signals with internally-generated brain states. Astrocytes, the main type of glial cell, are an essential component of neural circuits, and are placed in an ideal position to both respond to global states as well as influence local neuronal activity. We report the development of a mouse model that allows for the induction of global or targeted, circuit-specific knockout (KO) of astrocytic IP3R2 – the receptor responsible for astrocyte Ca2+ signalling. Using a combination of electrophysiological recordings, dual-colour transcranial and two-photon imaging, we have identified an astrocytic IP3/Ca2+ mediated modulation of sensory-evoked responses in a brain region- and behavioural state-dependent manner, provide intriguing evidence that astrocytes have a critical and diverse function in actively influencing sensory-evoked neuronal network activity.