Astrocytic encoding of anxiety states in the BLA

This seminar will provide evidence that basolateral amygdala astrocytes reliably encode anxiety states. Using simultaneous in vivo calcium recordings in both astrocytes and neurons across an array of behavioural tasks, we revealed that astrocyte activity is uncoupled to local pyramidal neuron activity. Finally, using genetic manipulation of astrocyte calcium signaling, we identified a causal role of astrocytes in driving anxiety behaviour. Together, these data suggest that amygdala astrocytes are key regulators of anxiety and highlight a novel role for these cells in the emotional states.

Dr. Ciaran Murphy-Royal investigates how astrocytes regulate neural circuits and behavior, with a focus on stress-induced maladaptation. His research integrates electrophysiology, in vivo and cellular imaging, behavioral analysis, optogenetics, and genetic approaches in transgenic rodent models. Since establishing his independent program in 2020, he has demonstrated that astrocyte dysfunction drives synaptic and behavioral deficits linked to early-life stress and identified sex-specific mechanisms rescuable by astrocyte targeting.