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Delgado L, Navarrete M. Shining the Light on Astrocytic Ensembles. Cells 2023; 12:1253. [PMID: 37174653 PMCID: PMC10177371 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
While neurons have traditionally been considered the primary players in information processing, the role of astrocytes in this mechanism has largely been overlooked due to experimental constraints. In this review, we propose that astrocytic ensembles are active working groups that contribute significantly to animal conduct and suggest that studying the maps of these ensembles in conjunction with neurons is crucial for a more comprehensive understanding of behavior. We also discuss available methods for studying astrocytes and argue that these ensembles, complementarily with neurons, code and integrate complex behaviors, potentially specializing in concrete functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Navarrete
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28002 Madrid, Spain
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Gorzo KA, Gordon GR. Photonics tools begin to clarify astrocyte calcium transients. NEUROPHOTONICS 2022; 9:021907. [PMID: 35211642 PMCID: PMC8857908 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.9.2.021907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes integrate information from neurons and the microvasculature to coordinate brain activity and metabolism. Using a variety of calcium-dependent cellular mechanisms, these cells impact numerous aspects of neurophysiology in health and disease. Astrocyte calcium signaling is highly diverse, with complex spatiotemporal features. Here, we review astrocyte calcium dynamics and the optical imaging tools used to measure and analyze these events. We briefly cover historical calcium measurements, followed by our current understanding of how calcium transients relate to the structure of astrocytes. We then explore newer photonics tools including super-resolution techniques and genetically encoded calcium indicators targeted to specific cellular compartments and how these have been applied to astrocyte biology. Finally, we provide a brief overview of analysis software used to accurately quantify the data and ultimately aid in our interpretation of the various functions of astrocyte calcium transients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsea A. Gorzo
- University of Calgary, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Grant R. Gordon
- University of Calgary, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Mohapatra N, Tønnesen J, Vlachos A, Kuner T, Deller T, Nägerl UV, Santamaria F, Jedlicka P. Spines slow down dendritic chloride diffusion and affect short-term ionic plasticity of GABAergic inhibition. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23196. [PMID: 26987404 PMCID: PMC4796789 DOI: 10.1038/srep23196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cl− plays a crucial role in neuronal function and synaptic inhibition. However, the impact of neuronal morphology on the diffusion and redistribution of intracellular Cl− is not well understood. The role of spines in Cl− diffusion along dendritic trees has not been addressed so far. Because measuring fast and spatially restricted Cl− changes within dendrites is not yet technically possible, we used computational approaches to predict the effects of spines on Cl− dynamics in morphologically complex dendrites. In all morphologies tested, including dendrites imaged by super-resolution STED microscopy in live brain tissue, spines slowed down longitudinal Cl− diffusion along dendrites. This effect was robust and could be observed in both deterministic as well as stochastic simulations. Cl− extrusion altered Cl− diffusion to a much lesser extent than the presence of spines. The spine-dependent slowing of Cl− diffusion affected the amount and spatial spread of changes in the GABA reversal potential thereby altering homosynaptic as well as heterosynaptic short-term ionic plasticity at GABAergic synapses in dendrites. Altogether, our results suggest a fundamental role of dendritic spines in shaping Cl− diffusion, which could be of relevance in the context of pathological conditions where spine densities and neural excitability are perturbed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrata Mohapatra
- Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Center, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Jan Tønnesen
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, CNRS UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France.,Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, University of Bordeaux, France
| | - Andreas Vlachos
- Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Center, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Kuner
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Deller
- Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Center, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - U Valentin Nägerl
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, CNRS UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France.,Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, University of Bordeaux, France
| | - Fidel Santamaria
- Biology Department and Neurosciences Institute, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
| | - Peter Jedlicka
- Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Center, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
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Bost A, Pasche M, Schirra C, Becherer U. Super-resolution microscopy in studying neuroendocrine cell function. Front Neurosci 2013; 7:222. [PMID: 24324394 PMCID: PMC3839409 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2013.00222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The last two decades have seen a tremendous development in high resolution microscopy techniques giving rise to acronyms such as TIRFM, SIM, PALM, STORM, and STED. The goal of all these techniques is to overcome the physical resolution barrier of light microscopy in order to resolve precise protein localization and possibly their interaction in cells. Neuroendocrine cell function is to secrete hormones and peptides on demand. This fine-tuned multi-step process is mediated by a large array of proteins. Here, we review the new microscopy techniques used to obtain high resolution and how they have been applied to increase our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in neuroendocrine cell secretion. Further the limitations of these methods are discussed and insights in possible new applications are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneka Bost
- Physiologisches Institut, Universität des Saarlandes Homburg/Saar, Germany
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