A Role for the Astrocytic Network in Spatial Navigation

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Spatial navigation affords an adaptive advantage for all animal species, optimizing chances of survival and reproduction. This behavior involves a multitude of brain structures and cognitive functions, starting from perception of self-motion and environmental cues, to building spatial representations and goal integration. The hippocampus formation is particularly important for the building, maintaining, and updating spatial maps for navigation and planning. This project will explore the role of hippocampal astrocytic networks in spatial navigation and aging-related spatial navigation deficits. We will develop pharmacological manipulations to rescue behavioral deficits in aged mice. The project will enhance our understanding of the role of the hippocampal anatomy and connectivity in spatial navigation, the biological processes underlying behavioral deficits in aged individuals, and will help develop new remedial strategies in animal models, with possible subsequent impact on clinical treatments.