A study caused a sensation within the scientific community by revealing that non-neuronal cells known as astrocytes play a fundamental role in memory training and retrieval. This discovery transforms the understanding of brain function and opens new possibilities for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Until now, we thought that neurons They were solely responsible for memory processing. However, this research, carried out by scientists from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston from the United States and published in the magazine Natureshows that the astrocytesstar-shaped cells found in the brain, They work closely with neurons to regulate memory.
How do astrocytes influence memory?
THE astrocytes They interact with groups of neurons, called engramsto modulate the storage and retrieval of memories. This communication, both physical and functional, between astrocytes and neurons is essential for the proper functioning of the brain, according to the lab of Benjamin Dennen, lead author of the study and professor in Baylor’s department of neurosurgery.
To reach this conclusion, researchers developed new laboratory tools and conducted experiments with mice. In one of these tests, they conditioned mice to associate a certain situation with fear, which caused paralysis. When the mice were exposed to the same situation again, they remembered the experience and they remained motionless.
During the learning process, scientists observed that a subset of astrocytes expressed the c-Fos gene, indicating its activation.
These activated astrocytes were located near the engram neuronsand its activation stimulated synaptic activity or communication in the corresponding neuronal engram, as detailed by study co-author Michael R. Williamson.
The key role of astrocytes in the formation of memories
To confirm the role of astrocytes in memory retrieval, the researchers specifically activated astrocytes in mice in an environment not associated with fear. Surprisingly, the mice reacted as if they were in a situation that frightened them. »showing that astrocyte activation stimulates memory recall», Adds another co-author: Wookbong Kwon.
The study also identified the The NFIA gene as a crucial element in astrocyte function during memory formation. By preventing the production of this gene in astrocytes, memory is suppressed. This deletion is therefore specific to memory.
“The sets of astrocytes associated with learning are specific to that learning event. Astrocyte clusters which regulate the memory of the fear experience they are different people involved in remembering another learning experience, and the set of neurons is also different», explains the neuroscientist Benjamin Dennen.
This discovery has important implications for the development of treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer’swhich is characterized by memory loss and cognitive impairment. By understanding the role of astrocytes in memory, experts can explore new therapies targeting these cells.
It is important to emphasize that This research was carried out in miceadditional studies are therefore needed to confirm these results in humans. However, this discovery represents a significant advance in understanding the brain and opens new avenues for the development of more effective therapies against neurodegenerative diseases.
