Astrocytes Shine in the Brain to Engage Cognitive Functions

A team of researchers has revealed the production pathway of the sense of touch. They found that the persistent regulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) generates our sense of touch. The study, led by researchers at the Institute for Basic Science and Yonsei University, was published in Neuron.  

"Contrary to the conventional assumption, thalamic astrocytes were found to synthesize GABA using an enzyme called diamine oxidase (DAO), rather than MAOB, previously known as a GABA-producing enzyme in cerebellar astrocytes," says Koh Wuhyun, first author of the study. The team also found that the production of GABA is completed by the enzyme Aldh1a1. 

Through behavioral experiments, they were able to demonstrate that tonic GABA dynamically controls tactile discrimination. The additional analysis confirmed the effect of enhancement of tonic GABA: overly charged models demonstrated a greatly enhanced ability of discrimination, notifying relatively small changes of textile stimulation.

"Detecting a small change of the surroundings marks the beginning of our cognitive function. This study uncovered a novel mechanism of manipulating sensory acuity, offering a breakthrough for the study of sensory and cognitive functions," co-corresponding author Cheong Eunji states. Justin Lee, the co-corresponding author adds that "This is the first example of how the astrocytes in the thalamus actively participate in important cognitive processes, such as sensory discrimination. Astrocytes "shine" in the brain to actively engage in cognitive functions, just as the stars in the night sky."