Astrocytes, Not Just Neurons, Found to Drive Fear Memory Signals in the Amygdala

UA study finds astrocytes key in fear memory, offering new possible PTSD treatments

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) - Researchers from the University of Arizona and the National Institutes of Health have unveiled groundbreaking findings about astrocytes, star-shaped brain cells long thought to be mere support for neurons. The study reveals that astrocytes play a…

Astrocytes, not just neurons, found to drive fear memory signals in the amygdala

Picture a star-shaped cell in the brain, stretching its spindly arms out to cradle the neurons around it. That's an astrocyte, and for a long time, scientists thought its job was caretaking the brain, gluing together neurons, and maintaining neural circuits. But now, a new study reveals that these supposed support cells that are spread all over the brain are as important as neurons in fear memory.

Astrocytes Discovered as Architects of Fear Memory

Astrocytes, long thought to be support cells, are actually critical for encoding, recalling, and extinguishing fear memories in the amygdala.