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The Memory Orchestra: Contribution of Astrocytes

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Abstract

For decades, memory research has centered on the role of neurons, which do not function in isolation. However, astrocytes play important roles in regulating neuronal recruitment and function at the local and network levels, forming the basis for information processing as well as memory formation and storage. In this review, we discuss the role of astrocytes in memory functions and their cellular underpinnings at multiple time points. We summarize important breakthroughs and controversies in the field as well as potential avenues to further illuminate the role of astrocytes in memory processes.

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Acknowledgements

This review was supported by grants from the STI2030-Major Projects (2022ZD0204702; 2022ZD0214300), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82090032, 31830033, and 32271014), the Key Area Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province (2018B030334001 and 2018B030340001), and the Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou (202007030013).

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  1. State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China

    Yi-Hua Chen, Shi-Yang Jin, Jian-Ming Yang & Tian-Ming Gao

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Chen, YH., Jin, SY., Yang, JM. et al. The Memory Orchestra: Contribution of Astrocytes. Neurosci. Bull. 39, 409–424 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12264-023-01024-x

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