(SEMINAR) Professor Jun Nagai Laboratory for Glia-Neuron Circuit Dynamics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Japan

Laboratory for Glia-Neuron Circuit Dynamics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Japan

Neuroscience has come a long way since the 19th century, now understanding that brain functions are controlled by a complex network of cells and signals. Astrocytes, the most common glial cells in our brain, play a key role in maintaining this network. By studying how astrocytes interact with neurons, especially through calcium signals, we’ve developed new genetic tools that let us explore their impact on neural circuits and behavior. Our research links astrocytes to conditions like ADHD, OCD, and Huntington’s disease, showing they influence cognitive and adaptive behaviors over longer periods than neurons typically do, making them potential targets for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders. Recently we found that astrocytes respond to behaviorally relevant stimuli, and that they vary greatly across different brain regions and conditions. However, how experiences shape specific astrocyte functions is still unclear. We identified Behaviorally-activated Astrocyte Ensembles (BAEs) and created a genetic tool to study them. Using advanced imaging techniques, we mapped BAEs throughout the brain during memory tasks, discovering their critical and context-dependent roles in memory formation and recall. These findings provide new insights into astrocyte function and their potential in brain health.