Most animal species operate according to a 24-hour period set by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. The rhythmic activity of the SCN modulates hippocampal-dependent memory, but the molecular and cellular mechanisms that account for this effect remain largely unknown. In McCauley et al. 2020 [1], we identify cell-type specific structural and functional changes that occur with circadian rhythmicity in neurons and astrocytes in hippocampal area CA1. Pyramidal neurons change the surface expression of NMDA receptors. Astrocytes change their proximity clustered excitatory synaptic inputs, ultimately shaping hippocampal-dependent learning in vivo. We identify to synapses. Together, these phenomena alter glutamate clearance, receptor activation and integration of temporally corticosterone as a key contributor to changes in synaptic strength. These findings highlight important mechanisms through which neurons and astrocytes modify the molecular composition and structure of the synaptic environment, contribute to the local storage of information in the hippocampus and alter the temporal dynamics of cognitive processing. [1] "Circadian modulation of neurons and astrocytes controls synaptic plasticity in hippocampal area CA1" by J.P. McCauley, M.A. Petroccione, L.Y. D’Brant, G.C. Todd, N. Affinnih, J.J. Wisnoski, S. Zahid, S. Shree, A.A. Sousa, R.M. De Guzman, R. Migliore, A. Brazhe, R.D. Leapman, A. Khmaladze, A. Semyanov, D.G. Zuloaga, M. Migliore and A. Scimemi. Cell Reports (2020), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108255
Model Type: Synapse; Channel/Receptor
Region(s) or Organism(s): Hippocampus
Cell Type(s): Hippocampus CA1 pyramidal GLU cell; Astrocyte
Currents: I A; I h; I M; I K; I K,Ca; Ca pump; I Calcium; I CAN; I Na,t
Transmitters: Glutamate
Model Concept(s): Synaptic Integration; Synaptic Plasticity; Detailed Neuronal Models
Simulation Environment: NEURON
Implementer(s): Migliore, Rosanna [rosanna.migliore at cnr.it]; Migliore, Michele [Michele.Migliore at Yale.edu]
References:
McCauley JP et al. (2020). Circadian Modulation of Neurons and Astrocytes Controls Synaptic Plasticity in Hippocampal Area CA1. Cell reports. 33 [PubMed]