Abstract
Astrocytes play key roles in regulating multiple aspects of neuronal function from invertebrates to humans and display Ca2+ fluctuations that are heterogeneously distributed throughout different cellular microdomains. Changes in Ca2+ dynamics represent a key mechanism for how astrocytes modulate neuronal activity. An unresolved issue is the origin and contribution of specific glial Ca2+ signaling components at distinct astrocytic domains to neuronal physiology and brain function. The Drosophila model system offers a simple nervous system that is highly amenable to cell-specific genetic manipulations to characterize the role of glial Ca2+ signaling. Here we identify a role for ER store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) pathway in perineurial glia (PG), a glial population that contributes to the Drosophila blood–brain barrier. We show that PG cells display diverse Ca2+ activity that varies based on their locale within the brain. Ca2+ signaling in PG cells does not require extracellular Ca2+ and is blocked by inhibition of SOCE, Ryanodine receptors, or gap junctions. Disruption of these components triggers stimuli-induced seizure-like episodes. These findings indicate that Ca2+ release from internal stores and its propagation between neighboring glial cells via gap junctions are essential for maintaining normal nervous system function.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 123-144 |
Number of pages | 22 |
Journal | GLIA |
Volume | 70 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2022 |
Keywords
- Ca waves
- Drosophila
- perineurial glia
- seizures
- store-operated Ca entry