Deciphering the star codings: astrocyte manipulation alters mouse behavior

Abstract

Animal behavior: Starring roles for star-shaped cells Genetic studies provide increased evidence that astrocytes, star-shaped cells in the central nervous system, play important roles affecting behavior in mammals. Although they are just as abundant as neurons, astrocytes are not excited by electrical signals. For this reason they have traditionally been regarded simply as ‘support cells’ for neurons, but recent evidence suggests that they can significantly modulate neuron signals. A review paper by Keebum Park and Sung Joong Lee at Seoul National University in South Korea highlights improved methods for monitoring the signaling processes related to astrocytes, which manifest most notably through sharp changes in calcium levels. Several studies have used genetic knockout mice, designer drugs and light-sensitive proteins to change astrocyte activity, affecting a diverse range of behaviors including sleeping and feeding patterns, memory formation, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder.