Altyn Rymbek

Editor’s summary Astrocytes have been shown to modulate neuronal activity, and dysfunction in neuron-astrocyte communication causes alterations in many cognitive processes. However, the fundamental mechanisms by which astrocytes might be integrated into neuronal circuitry has remained largely unclear. Three independent studies investigated the mechanisms and molecular players involved in astrocyte-neuron communication using multiple in vivo and in vitro models (see the Perspective by Eroglu).

Keywords astrocytes ketamine norepinephrine noradrenaline zebrafish circuits glia behavioral states brain states mood-altering compounds Introduction The behavior of animals incorporates past experience to adapt to changing environments.1,2,3,4,5 Importantly, transient perturbations of circuits, such as through emotionally salient events or brief exposure to psychoactive chemicals, can profoundly alter circuit dynamics and behavior far outlasting the input’s lifetime.