Research shows that astrocytes, star-shaped neuronal cells, cooperate with neurons to store and recall memories.
So far, we have often referred to the image of a person to simplify the concept of memory and recall. great archiveour brain contains thousands of different protective drawers from our understandings and experiences.
Like a little i hard disk where all the information and data we enter into our computer is stored.
But a study by a team of scientists at Baylor College of Medicine now suggests that new review.
I memories, points out, they really aren’t is protected just come neurons and give it to them astrocytes, star-shaped cells that glowing between neural networks, they actively participate in the process of learning and memory recall.
Astrocytes are like stars in a constellation among neurons
Perhaps a more romantic and less orderly view of astrocytes and neurons working together like the stars of the constellation teach, maintain and illuminates our memories but it has potentially very specific implications given what it can actually unlock important perspectives for the study of neurodegenerative diseases for example, conditions in which memories resurface undesirably, as in Alzheimer’s or post-traumatic stress disorder.
According to a study published in the journal Nature, astrocytes cooperate with engrams, networks of neurons that are activated after significant experiences, forming an important network for storing memories.
Essential gene and transition protein
During learning events, the researchers explain, a specific group of astrocytes become activated by expressing a key gene, c-FosThis regulates communication between neurons and astrocytes, creating a system of relationships reminiscent of the texture of the zodiac.
The main role in this process is a protein, NFIA, in astrocytes that is activated during learning but can be silenced as a switch. When this happens, astrocytes cease to function normally and as a result memories associated with a specific event they cannot be called back.
Experiment with mice
This was clearly seen during experiments on mice, which researchers observed on mice reactions to a fear-related stimulus.
when exposed the same stimulus, the mice remembered the experiencelooks scary.
In other cases, without the same emotional appeal mice did not show no reactiondemonstrates how closely related the fear memory is to that event.