5 February 2024 | Paula Escalada, Amaia Ezkurdia, María Javier Ramírez, Maite Solas
The article reviews the essential role of astrocytes in learning and memory processes. Astrocytes, star-shaped glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS), play a crucial role in regulating synaptic transmission and information processing. They influence learning and memory through various mechanisms, including the release of gliotransmitters, calcium signaling, and metabolic coupling with neurons. Astrocytes are involved in synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and neuromodulation, contributing to the formation and maintenance of memories. The article highlights the importance of astrocytic calcium dynamics in memory formation and retrieval, as well as their role in regulating brain rhythms and metabolic cooperation with neurons. Additionally, the article discusses the implications of astrocytic Ca²⁺ signaling in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology and the potential therapeutic targets for AD. Overall, the review underscores the multifaceted role of astrocytes in cognitive functions and their significance in understanding and treating neurological disorders.The article reviews the essential role of astrocytes in learning and memory processes. Astrocytes, star-shaped glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS), play a crucial role in regulating synaptic transmission and information processing. They influence learning and memory through various mechanisms, including the release of gliotransmitters, calcium signaling, and metabolic coupling with neurons. Astrocytes are involved in synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and neuromodulation, contributing to the formation and maintenance of memories. The article highlights the importance of astrocytic calcium dynamics in memory formation and retrieval, as well as their role in regulating brain rhythms and metabolic cooperation with neurons. Additionally, the article discusses the implications of astrocytic Ca²⁺ signaling in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology and the potential therapeutic targets for AD. Overall, the review underscores the multifaceted role of astrocytes in cognitive functions and their significance in understanding and treating neurological disorders.