Xinzhu Yu

In our decades-long pursuit of understanding the central nervous system (CNS) and the pathophysiology of devastating neurological and psychiatric conditions, research has nearly exclusively focused on one particular kind of “brain cell,” the neuron. However, neurons do not act alone in the brain. Thus, much is to be gained from understanding the interplay between neurons and other non-neuronal cells, particularly glial cells. As the most abundant glial cells, astrocytes form extensive and close associations with neurons throughout the entire CNS. The prevailing assumption has been that astrocytes perform a passive supportive role for CNS neurons. However, accumulating evidence including our own studies have supported a functional versatility of astrocytic regulation in different neural circuits as well as diverse aspects of complex behaviors. Despite progress, the mechanisms underlying the heterogenous interactions between astrocytes and neurons to drive behaviors and disease pathogenesis remain elusive. To tackle these questions, my lab uses a multidisciplinary approach with genetic/chemogenetic tools, in vivo imaging, behavioral assays, cell type-specific transcriptomics/proteomics and computational modeling. Some ongoing projects include: 1) astrocyte-neuron interaction in affiliative social behavior, 2) astrocyte contribution to motor learning and memory, 3) molecular and functional alterations of astrocytes in Alzheimer’s disease.