Structural basis of astrocytic Ca2+ signals at tripartite synapses

Misa Arizono, V. V. G. Krishna Inavalli, Aude Panatier, Thomas Pfeiffer, Julie Angibaud, Florian Levet, Mirelle J. T. Ter Veer, Jillian Stobart, Luigi Bellocchio, Katsuhiko Mikoshiba, Giovanni Marsicano, Bruno Weber, Stéphane H. R. Oliet and U. Valentin Nägerl ()
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Misa Arizono: University of Bordeaux
V. V. G. Krishna Inavalli: University of Bordeaux
Aude Panatier: University of Bordeaux
Thomas Pfeiffer: University of Bordeaux
Julie Angibaud: University of Bordeaux
Florian Levet: University of Bordeaux
Mirelle J. T. Ter Veer: University of Bordeaux
Jillian Stobart: University of Zurich, Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology
Luigi Bellocchio: University of Bordeaux
Katsuhiko Mikoshiba: ShanghaiTech University
Giovanni Marsicano: University of Bordeaux
Bruno Weber: University of Zurich, Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology
Stéphane H. R. Oliet: University of Bordeaux
U. Valentin Nägerl: University of Bordeaux

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Abstract Astrocytic Ca2+ signals can be fast and local, supporting the idea that astrocytes have the ability to regulate single synapses. However, the anatomical basis of such specific signaling remains unclear, owing to difficulties in resolving the spongiform domain of astrocytes where most tripartite synapses are located. Using 3D-STED microscopy in living organotypic brain slices, we imaged the spongiform domain of astrocytes and observed a reticular meshwork of nodes and shafts that often formed loop-like structures. These anatomical features were also observed in acute hippocampal slices and in barrel cortex in vivo. The majority of dendritic spines were contacted by nodes and their sizes were correlated. FRAP experiments and Ca2+ imaging showed that nodes were biochemical compartments and Ca2+ microdomains. Mapping astrocytic Ca2+ signals onto STED images of nodes and dendritic spines showed they were associated with individual synapses. Here, we report on the nanoscale organization of astrocytes, identifying nodes as a functional astrocytic component of tripartite synapses that may enable synapse-specific communication between neurons and astrocytes.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15648-4

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