Untiet Lab: Division of Astrocyte Driven Ionostasis
Research Overview:
Astrocytes are the primary homeostatic cells in the central nervous system (CNS), and one of their critical roles includes the regulation of extracellular ionic composition (ionostasis). Recently, we discovered that astrocytes serve as a dynamic reservoir for chloride (Cl-), significantly modulating inhibitory transmission that depends entirely on this anion.
Via a GABA mediated mechanism high intracellular Cl- concentration in astrocytes ([Cl-]i) suppresses neuronal activity while a decrease in astrocytic [Cl-]i enhances it. Moreover, astrocytic [Cl-]i is brain state-dependent, maintaining high and stable levels during sleep, and exhibiting dynamic, lower levels during wakefulness. These fluctuations in astrocytic Cl- significantly influence the excitation/inhibition balance in both healthy and diseased brains. We investigate the implications of modulating astrocytic Cl- on sleep architecture and in pathophysiological conditions such as epilepsy.
