Sibling astrocytes share preferential coupling via gap junctions

Abstract

Astrocytes are organized as communicating cellular networks where each cell is connected to others via gap junctions. These connections are not pervasive and there is evidence for the existence of subgroups composed by preferentially connected cells. Despite being unclear how these are established, we hypothesized lineage might contribute to the establishment of these subgroups. To characterize the functional coupling of clonally related astrocytes, we performed intracellular dye injections in clones of astrocytes labeled with the StarTrack method. This methodology revealed sibling astrocytes are preferentially connected when compared to other surrounding astrocytes. These results suggest the role of the developmental origin in the organization of astrocytes as intercellular networks.