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Cortical astrocyte N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors influence whisker barrel activity and sensory discrimination in mice

Author

Listed:
  • Noushin Ahmadpour

    (University of Manitoba)

  • Meher Kantroo

    (University of Manitoba)

  • Michael J. Stobart

    (University of Manitoba)

  • Jessica Meza-Resillas

    (University of Manitoba)

  • Shahin Shabanipour

    (University of Manitoba)

  • Jesus Parra-Nuñez

    (University of Manitoba)

  • Tetiana Salamovska

    (University of Manitoba)

  • Anna Muzaleva

    (University of Manitoba)

  • Finnegan O’Hara

    (University of Manitoba)

  • Dustin Erickson

    (University of Manitoba)

  • Bruno Gaetano

    (University of Manitoba)

  • Sofia Carrion-Falgarona

    (University of Manitoba)

  • Bruno Weber

    (University of Zurich)

  • Alana Lamont

    (University of Manitoba
    Health Sciences Center)

  • Natalie E. Lavine

    (University of Manitoba
    Health Sciences Center)

  • Tiina M. Kauppinen

    (University of Manitoba
    Health Sciences Center)

  • Michael F. Jackson

    (University of Manitoba
    Health Sciences Center)

  • Jillian L. Stobart

    (University of Manitoba
    University of Manitoba)

Abstract

Astrocytes express ionotropic receptors, including N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). However, the contribution of NMDARs to astrocyte-neuron interactions, particularly in vivo, has not been elucidated. Here we show that a knockdown approach to selectively reduce NMDARs in mouse cortical astrocytes decreases astrocyte Ca2+ transients evoked by sensory stimulation. Astrocyte NMDAR knockdown also impairs nearby neuronal circuits by elevating spontaneous neuron activity and limiting neuronal recruitment, synchronization, and adaptation during sensory stimulation. Furthermore, this compromises the optimal processing of sensory information since the sensory acuity of the mice is reduced during a whisker-dependent tactile discrimination task. Lastly, we rescue the effects of astrocyte NMDAR knockdown on neurons and improve the tactile acuity of the animal by supplying exogenous ATP. Overall, our findings show that astrocytes can respond to nearby neuronal activity via their NMDAR, and that these receptors are an important component for purinergic signaling that regulate astrocyte-neuron interactions and cortical sensory discrimination in vivo.

Suggested Citation

  • Noushin Ahmadpour & Meher Kantroo & Michael J. Stobart & Jessica Meza-Resillas & Shahin Shabanipour & Jesus Parra-Nuñez & Tetiana Salamovska & Anna Muzaleva & Finnegan O’Hara & Dustin Erickson & Bruno, 2024. "Cortical astrocyte N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors influence whisker barrel activity and sensory discrimination in mice," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-20, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-45989-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45989-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Adam Institoris & Milène Vandal & Govind Peringod & Christy Catalano & Cam Ha Tran & Xinzhu Yu & Frank Visser & Cheryl Breiteneder & Leonardo Molina & Baljit S. Khakh & Minh Dang Nguyen & Roger J. Tho, 2022. "Astrocytes amplify neurovascular coupling to sustained activation of neocortex in awake mice," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-17, December.
    2. Qian Wang & Ying Kong & Ding-Yu Wu & Ji-Hong Liu & Wei Jie & Qiang-Long You & Lang Huang & Jian Hu & Huai-De Chu & Feng Gao & Neng-Yuan Hu & Zhou-Cai Luo & Xiao-Wen Li & Shu-Ji Li & Zhao-Fa Wu & Yu-Lo, 2021. "Impaired calcium signaling in astrocytes modulates autism spectrum disorder-like behaviors in mice," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-13, December.
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