Recent research has revealed that astrocytes, star-shaped glial cells in the brain, play a more dynamic and complex role in brain function than previously understood. Contrary to the long-held belief that astrocytes primarily support neurons, new evidence indicates they actively modulate brain activity in real-time. This discovery, highlighted in a May 2025 study, opens new avenues for understanding cognition and developing treatments for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Astrocytes use G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to respond to neurotransmitters, enabling them to filter and prioritize inputs from thousands of synapses. Disrupting this gating mechanism in studies with fruit flies led to behavioral impairments, underscoring the importance of astrocytes in rapid brain adjustments. These findings, replicated in rodents, suggest that this is an evolutionarily conserved feature likely present in other mammals, including humans.
Researchers, including Kevin Guttenplan and Marc Freeman from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), emphasize that astrocytes actively control neuronal activity, influencing attention, anxiety, and mood. This nuanced understanding of astrocyte function could revolutionize therapeutic strategies for various brain disorders, marking a significant shift in how we perceive the intricate interplay between brain cells.