Astrocytes close the mouse critical period for visual plasticity.
Science
; 373(6550): 77-81, 2021 07 02.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34210880
ABSTRACT
Brain postnatal development is characterized by critical periods of experience-dependent remodeling of neuronal circuits. Failure to end these periods results in neurodevelopmental disorders. The cellular processes defining critical-period timing remain unclear. Here, we show that in the mouse visual cortex, astrocytes control critical-period closure. We uncover the underlying pathway, which involves astrocytic regulation of the extracellular matrix, allowing interneuron maturation. Unconventional astrocyte connexin signaling hinders expression of extracellular matrix-degrading enzyme matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) through RhoA-guanosine triphosphatase activation. Thus, astrocytes not only influence the activity of single synapses but also are key elements in the experience-dependent wiring of brain circuits.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Córtex Visual
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Astrócitos
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Período Crítico Psicológico
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Plasticidade Neuronal
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2021
Tipo de documento:
Article