Topic: Bergmann glia

Bergmann glia (BG) are radial glial cells in the cerebellar cortex that have multiple functions. They have been shown to interact with Purkinje cells in several ways: they modulate synaptic inputs to Purkinje cells, regulate excitability through external potassium concentration, and directly affect Purkinje cells through neurotransmitter release. In this study, we genetically expressed hM3Dq in BGs through GFAP-promoter-contained AAV virus. We showed that this BG-PC regulation is mediated by the NMDA receptor and GABAA receptor. Furthermore, using calcium imaging, we confirmed that BG activati

The mammalian brain stores glucose, the main energy substrate from the blood circulation, in the form of glycogen. In the rodent brain, the cerebellum stores relatively large amounts of glycogen, yet the cellular and subcellular distribution of glycogen has not been described in detail. Using monoclonal antibodies against glycogen, we investigated the glycogen distribution in the mouse cerebellar cortex. We found a dominant presence of glycogen in molecular layer Bergmann glia (BG) processes. Additionally, glycogen was observed in Purkinje cells (PCs), the principal neurons of the cerebellar c

The cerebellum is classically associated with coordination and motor learning. Yet, a growing body of evidence now indicates that the cerebellum also contributes to cognitive aspects including social behavior and navigation skills. Although monoamines such as noradrenaline (NE) and dopamine (DA) are key neuromodulators implicated in these cognitive functions, the modus operandi of monoaminergic systems and their relevance to cerebellar functioning remains poorly understood. Interestingly, we found that while in this brain region monoaminergic innervations are sparse, the main vesicular transpo

Chemically-mediated signals and physical contact-mediated signals are utilized in wide varieties of cells of the brain to transfer information to each other. For example, chemically-mediated signals provide pivotal communication between vascular endothelial cells and perivascular cells to control local blood circulation. Also, chemically-mediated signals play essential roles in the learning, memory and cognition via mediating communication between neurons. In contrast, the existence and function of nano-scale cell-cell contacts in the brain is not fully understood. This is because, to identify