Star power: the emerging role of astrocytes as neuronal partners during cortical plasticity

Plasticity is a fundamental property of neuronal circuits, allowing them to adapt alterations in activation. Generally speaking, plasticity has been viewed from ‘neuron-centric’ perspective, with changes circuit function attributed excitability, synaptic strength or connectivity. However, it now clear that glial cells, particular astrocytes, are key regulators plasticity. This article reviews recent progress made understanding astrocyte and attempts summarize these functions into coherent framework positions astrocytes as central players the process.