On the Regulation of the Cerebral Circulation by Astrocytes

The neurovascular unit is fundamental for brain function. By matching neuronal activity with the availability of oxygen and glucose via the blood, neural computation is powered. A mismatch can have devastating consequences such as dementia. Within the unit the astrocyte is a central hub. The guiding hypothesis of Dr. Gordon’s research program is that astrocytes are essential integrators of neuronal-borne and vascular-borne signals needed to coordinate blood flow and neural activity for brain health. The main methodological approaches of the lab include two-photon fluorescence imaging applied to either acute living brain slices, or fully awake, locomoting or sleeping mice in vivo. By elucidating the molecular communication signals, the Gordon lab has made important advances in our understanding of the role of astrocytes in brain function.