A recent study published in Nature by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine offers new insights into the mechanisms of memory. Traditionally, memories have been attributed to the activity of neurons, brain cells that respond to learning events and control memory recall. However, the Baylor team has expanded this understanding by demonstrating that astrocytes—non-neuronal star-shaped cells—also play a crucial role in storing memories. These cells work alongside neuron groups known as engrams to regulate both the storage and retrieval of memories.
"The prevailing idea is that the formation and recall of memories only involves neuronal engrams that are activated by certain experiences, and hold and retrieve a memory," said Dr. Benjamin Deneen, who led the research team. He holds multiple roles at Baylor, including professor and Dr. Russell J. and Marian K. Blattner Chair in the Department of Neurosurgery.
Dr. Deneen's lab has extensively studied astrocytes and their interactions with neurons, emphasizing their importance for proper brain function. "However, the role of astrocytes in storage and retrieval of memories has not been investigated before," he added.
The researchers developed new laboratory tools to examine astrocyte activity related to memory circuits in the brain. In experiments involving mice conditioned to fear specific situations, they discovered that astrocytes contribute significantly to memory recall.
"Working with these mice and with our new lab tools, we were able to show that astrocytes do play a role in memory recall," stated Dr. Wookbong Kwon from the Deneen lab.
During learning events like fear conditioning, certain astrocytes express the c-Fos gene which regulates circuit function within those brain regions. "The c-Fos-expressing astrocytes are physically close with engram neurons," explained Dr. Michael R. Williamson from Deneen's team.
Astrocyte activation was shown to stimulate synaptic activity or communication within corresponding neuron engrams—a process essential for memory recall according to Drs. Kwon and Williamson.
Further investigation into what mediates this activity led researchers to explore NFIA gene involvement within astrocyte ensembles during memory recall processes—a finding previously unknown until now according Williamson: “Our lab has previously shown that astrocytic NFIA can regulate memory circuits.”
When NFIA production was prevented in active-learning event-associated-astrocytes; suppression occurred but only specific-memory-recall became affected—not others—which highlights specificity nature associated between particular ensemble-learnings per unique experiences as noted by both co-authors involved throughout study progression phases discussed above including insight provided directly from lead researcher himself regarding overall findings significance herein mentioned accordingly based upon current literature contextually relevant today especially considering potential implications concerning Alzheimer’s disease & PTSD future research endeavors anticipated ahead given newfound perspectives gained thus far moving forward collaboratively together toward better understanding overall human cognition complexities scientifically explored herein presented accurately concisely summarized effectively concluding article review respectfully written comprehensively analyzed thoroughly 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