| First Author | Ribot J | Year | 2021 |
| Journal | Science | Volume | 373 |
| Issue | 6550 | Pages | 77-81 |
| PubMed ID | 34210880 | Mgi Jnum | J:323811 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:6726644 | Doi | 10.1126/science.abf5273 |
| Citation | Ribot J, et al. (2021) Astrocytes close the mouse critical period for visual plasticity. Science 373(6550):77-81 |
| abstractText | 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. |
