Astrocytes secrete a range of molecules that play crucial roles in neuronal function. So we started investigating whether they regulate neurogenesis.
By blocking vesicular release of astrocytes, we found that they play a role in the survival and maturation of the new neurons. We identified that D-serine is required for the synaptic integration of new neurons in the mature neuronal network (Sultan et al. Neuron 2015). Interestingly, D-serine is currently tested in Human for its effects on cognition and anxiety, part of which may be mediated by adult neurogenesis.
We are now identifying other molecules released by astrocytes that regulate different stages of adult neurogenesis with the hope of improving memory performance or alleviating depressive symptoms.