Spatial transcriptomics reveal neuron-astrocyte synergy in long-term memory. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38326616/)

These scientists wanted to understand how our brain remembers things that happen to us and how it helps us plan for the future. They focused on a part of the brain called the basolateral amygdala, which is important for remembering scary or emotional experiences for a long time.

To study this, the scientists used a special technique called spatial and single-cell transcriptomics. This helped them look at the different types of cells in the basolateral amygdala and see which genes were active in each cell. They found certain genes that were specific to the cells involved in memory and stayed active for weeks.

These genes are important for signaling between cells, activating proteins, and making connections between brain cells. The scientists also discovered that a particular group of brain cells, characterized by increased Penk gene activity and decreased Tac gene activity, played a major role in forming long-term memories in the basolateral amygdala.

To get a better understanding of where these cells were located, the scientists used a different technique called single-molecule spatial transcriptomics. This allowed them to create a detailed map of the brain area involved in memory. They found that the memory-forming cells interacted with neighboring cells called astrocytes.

Finally, the scientists conducted experiments to confirm that the brain cells needed to interact with astrocytes to form long-term memories. This means that these two types of cells work together to help us remember things for a long time.

Overall, this study helped scientists learn more about how our brain remembers things and how different types of cells work together to create long-term memories.

Sun W., Liu Z., Jiang X., Chen MB., Dong H., Liu J., Sudhof TC., Quake SR. Spatial transcriptomics reveal neuron-astrocyte synergy in long-term memory. Nature. 2024 Feb 7. doi: 10.1038/s41586-023-07011-6.