Emma Erickson, a recent graduate of Adron Harris’ laboratory, published a paper in Neuropsychopharmacology that was featured in a Research Highlight article in the same issue. Erickson’s paper examines the role of cortical astrocytes in alcohol-related behaviors in mice. Through bidirectional targeting of astrocyte-specific calcium signaling in vivo, the work uncovers astrocytic involvement in alcohol consumption and intoxication. The commentary, written by Jeffrey Moffat and Dorit Ron of UCSF, notes the significance of determining glial contributions to the behavioral effects of alcohol.

Erickson, E.K., DaCosta, A.J., Mason, S.C. et al. Cortical astrocytes regulate ethanol consumption and intoxication in mice. Neuropsychopharmacol. (2020).

Moffat, J.J., Ron, D. Astrocytes and alcohol: cortical astrocytes regulate alcohol consumption and intoxication. Neuropsychopharmacol. (2020).