Summary
Researchers from Tohoku University discovered that part of the memory selection process depends on the function of astrocytes. They showed that artificially acidifying the astro Cytes did not affect short-term memory but prevented memories from being remembered long-term.
Astrocytes play a key role in determining whether memories are erased or preserved for a long time. Understanding these processes could pave the way for therapies that prevent traumatic memories from forming.
Astrocyte ChR2 photoactivation alone induced freezing responses akin to those observed after receiving an electric foot shock. In contrast, astrocyte ArchT photoactivation suppressed the freezing responses following a footshock.
