The Role of Astrocyte Activity in Learning-Induced Structural Synaptic Plasticity

2014

Understanding the mechanism of learning and memory is of major interest to neuroscientists. Functional and structural synaptic plasticity has been long implicated in mediating learning and memory. Our findings that astrocytic function is both necessary for learning and is impacted by learning leads to a new line of investigation about the relationship between astrocytic activity and structural synaptic plasticity. Here we wish to study the role of astrocytic activity in regulating synaptic structural plasticity in development and with learning. We will employ in vivo multiphoton simultaneous imaging of astrocytic Ca2+ signaling and of dendritic spines in the primary motor cortex. We will determine if spine stability is regulated by activity in astrocytic processes that contact dendritic spines during normal development and following motor skill learning. By employing optogenetics and introduction of astrocytic blockers via an in vivo microfluidics chamber (designed by a collaborator at UNL), we will directly test how altering astrocytic activity can regulate dendritic spine stability. Experiments here will contribute to our understanding of the role of astrocytes in synaptic plasticity and learning.

Performing Research or Evaluation

Health-Related Activities

General Public

None

National

N/A