NIH R01 · 2025
Mechanisms of astrocyte volume regulation and control of neural excitability
PROJECT SUMMARY The volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) is an outwardly rectifying anion channel that is activated in response to cell swelling to initiate homeostatic regulation of cell volume. Upon opening, VRAC release Cl- and other anions as well as negatively-charged osmolytes including glutamate into the extracellular space (ECS) to initiate volume regulation in the cell. In brain, astrocytes have been found to regulate the ECS and its contents through dynamic fluctuations in cell volume that correlate with sleep, consciousness, alertness, and levels of synaptic activity. Therefore, VRAC may be especially important in astrocytes for regulation of brain tissue excitability. Evidence…
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