Calcium dynamics in habenular astrocytes regulate active coping within behavioral transitions

TL;DR

This study shows that calcium activity in brain cells called astrocytes helps control how animals switch between active and passive behaviors when facing challenges.

Contribution

The study reveals that habenular astrocytes regulate active coping behaviors through calcium signaling across species.

Findings

Disrupting calcium signaling in habenular astrocytes prolongs active coping in mice.

Calcium elevations in habenular astrocytes are observed in both mice and zebrafish.

Astrocytes are integrated into aversion-related neuronal circuits in the lateral habenula.

Abstract

Behavioral challenges prompt alternating vigorous and reduced mobility – active, passive coping – that optimize energy investment. Here, we show that disrupting astrocytes calcium signaling in the mouse lateral habenula (LHb) prolongs active coping. This state manifests through calcium elevations in both mouse and zebrafish habenular astrocytes. Presynaptic tracing approaches integrate LHb astrocytes within aversion–related neuronal circuits. Thus, astrocytes regulate state transitions highlighting their computational contribution to behaviors across species.

Tracking of astrocytes dynamics in habenula reveals their contribution to behavioral transitions across species.

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