- Synaptic plasticity in the brain is crucial for learning and memory, with recent focus on the role of astrocytes in addition to neurons and synapses.
- Researchers at the University of Bonn developed a biophysical model of learning based on interactions between astrocytes and neurons.
- The model explains learning deficits in mice with impaired astrocytic regulation and emphasizes the vital role of astrocytes in adapting to new information.
- Astrocytes regulate levels of the neurotransmitter D-serine, facilitating the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire synaptic connections.
- This research bridges theoretical models of plasticity with experimental findings, shedding light on the physiological basis for dynamic synaptic adaptations and offering potential therapeutic interventions to enhance cognitive functions.
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Neurology, Psychiatry & Mental Health