Neuroscience Seminar Series:
Friday, June 23th, 2017 , 11:30 am, Salle des Conférences (R229), Centre Universitaire des Saints-Pères, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris
Andrea Volterra, Professor, PhD, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
Title: Three-dimensional Ca2+ imaging of astrocytes and astrocyte-synapse interactions
Summary:
Astrocyte communication is typically studied by two-dimensional Ca 2+ imaging, but this method has not yielded conclusive data on the role of astrocytes in synaptic and vascular function. We developed a three-dimensional two-photon imaging approach and studied Ca 2+ dynamics in entire astrocyte volumes, including during axon-astrocyte interactions. Results indicate that Ca 2+ activity in an individual astrocyte is scattered throughout the cell, largely compartmented between regions, preponderantly local within regions, and heterogeneously distributed regionally and locally. Processes and end-feet display frequent fast activity, whereas the soma is infrequently active. Results also indicate that astrocytes respond locally to minimal axonal firing with time-correlated Ca 2+ spots.
Those interested in meeting with the speaker please contact Coralie-Anne Mosser.