TWiN 56: Astrocytes help neurons remember

[@wolpumba4099]

*TWiN 56: Astrocytes Help Neurons Remember* * *0:00** Introduction:* This episode of TWiN discusses a study on the role of astrocytes in memory. * *1:29** Fundraising Appeal:* The hosts emphasize the importance of supporting science education and research, especially in the face of anti-science sentiment. * *1:55** Call to Action:* Listeners are urged to contact their senators to oppose the nomination of RFK Jr. as head of HHS due to his anti-science views. * *4:12** Background on Memory and Glia:* The traditional view of memory focuses on neurons, but recent research highlights the role of glial cells, particularly astrocytes. * *6:41** Astrocytes and Synapses:* Astrocytes are known to be involved in synapse formation and regulation, traditionally thought to be a passive role. * *8:48** Calcium Signaling in Astrocytes:* Evidence suggests that astrocytes have active calcium signaling, potentially contributing to memory processes. * *9:40** Immediate Early Genes (IEGs):* IEGs like cFos are induced in neurons during learning and are used to tag memory circuits (engrams). * *16:23** IEGs in Astrocytes:* This study demonstrates that cFos is also induced in astrocytes after learning, suggesting a more active role. * *19:00** cFos Knockout in Astrocytes:* Conditional knockout of cFos in astrocytes leads to deficits in long-term potentiation (LTP) and memory recall in mice. * *20:25** Memory Assays:* The study uses contextual fear conditioning and novel object recognition to assess memory in mice. * *29:51** Astrocyte Ensembles:* The study uses cFos promoter to tag astrocytes activated during learning, forming an "astrocyte ensemble." * *32:14** Calcium Activity in Astrocyte Ensembles:* Astrocytes in the ensemble show increased calcium activity, indicating altered properties after learning. * *36:15** Physical Association of Astrocytes and Engram Neurons:* Activated astrocytes preferentially cover and contact neurons involved in the memory engram. * *41:58** Artificial Astrocyte Activation and LTP:* Artificial activation of astrocytes in the ensemble can induce LTP-like changes in neurons. * *48:54** Astrocyte Activation and Memory Recall:* Activating the astrocyte ensemble after learning can trigger memory recall in a different context. * *52:55** Neurons Still Necessary:* Silencing neurons prevents memory recall, even with astrocyte activation, indicating neurons are still crucial for memory storage. * *53:36** Speculation on Astrocyte Function:* Astrocytes may play a role in stabilizing and maintaining synaptic changes associated with memory. * *58:34** Gene Expression Changes in Astrocytes:* The study identifies genes upregulated and downregulated in the astrocyte ensemble. * *59:05** NFIA Knockout:* Knocking out NFIA, a gene upregulated in the astrocyte ensemble, leads to memory deficits, suggesting a specific molecular mechanism. * *1:00:17** Future Directions:* Further research is needed to understand the precise mechanisms by which astrocytes contribute to memory formation, storage, and recall, and to explore the metabolic role of astrocytes. I used gemini-1.5-pro-exp-0827 on rocketrecap dot com to summarize the transcript. Cost (if I didn't use the free tier): $0.04 Input tokens: 25885 Output tokens: 704

[@jonc67uk]

Sounds like the astrocytes are the control, maintenance & addressing hardware for the memory. From a computer point of view. Like the control chips & associated hardware on a motherboard, hard drive etc required for short & long term memory access.

[@alijawad2042]

Prefect. Thank you

[@razerginn]

This got me thinking about my mothers problem with high calcium . She has slowed down pretty significantly after she was diagnosed hypoparathyroidism. Wondering if a link to her ca levels and memory.

[@RonaldWhite-d9r]

Normotim is definitely worth the money! I noticed improvements in my focus and mood. Has anyone else noticed similar effects?

[@Rene-uz3eb]

Sounds like astrocytes are the neural network weights