Beyond neurons: astrocytic ensembles stabilize memories after recall

Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy 2026 Open access

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Authors: May Bakr, Mohamed Salama
DOI: 10.1038/s41392-025-02537-9
Cited by: 1
References: 5

Abstract

In a recent study published in Nature , Dewa et al. showed that emotionally salient experiences “biologically tag” small ensembles of astrocytes, creating multiday traces that can be reactivated during recall. 1 This mechanism reveals a previously unrecognized astrocytic contribution to the stabilization of recalled memories and expands the traditional neuron-centric model of memory storage, offering insights that may inform future strategies for modulating memory in cognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders. 1

Fields of Study & Subjects

Memory and Neural Mechanisms Memory Processes and Influences Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research

Publication details

Journal / source
Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
11
Issue
1
Pages
24–24
Publication date
20 January 2026
Language
EN