Astrocytes close the mouse critical period for visual plasticity
Abstract
Brain postnatal development is characterized by critical periods of experience-dependent remodeling of neuronal circuits. Failure to end these periods results in neurodevelopmental disorders. The cellular processes defining critical-period timing remain unclear. Here, we show that in the mouse visual cortex, astrocytes control critical-period closure. We uncover the underlying pathway, which involves astrocytic regulation of the extracellular matrix, allowing interneuron maturation. Unconventional astrocyte connexin signaling hinders expression of extracellular matrix-degrading enzyme matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) through RhoA-guanosine triphosphatase activation. Thus, astrocytes not only influence the activity of single synapses but also are key elements in the experience-dependent wiring of brain circuits.
- Publication:
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Science
- Pub Date:
- July 2021
- DOI:
- 10.1126/science.abf5273
- Bibcode:
- 2021Sci...373...77R
- Keywords:
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- NEUROSCIENCE; PHYSIOLOGY