To access the session recording, navigate to the content tab and click the view video button. 

Session Schedule

Find a specific presentation in the course by navigating to the timestamp indicated below.

0:00:00
Introduction

presentation not available: The role of microglia in sleep regulation
Yang Dan (United States)

0:06:40
Adenosine dynamics: Mechanisms and consequences for sleep-wake cycles
Min Xu (China)

0:29:50
Of sleep and stars: Defining a role for astrocytes in sleep expression and homeostasis
Ashley Ingiosi (United States)

0:56:50
Beyond neurons: Astrocytes shaping sleep in the cortical landscape
Carolina Gutierrez Herrera (Switzerland)

1:21:50
Question and answer

Summary

Studies on the cellular composition of the brain have revealed that it contains as many glia cells as neurons. There is growing evidence that these glia cells play an important role in brain function, both in health and disease. Recent research also highlights the integral role of glial cells in the regulation of sleep, underscoring that sleep is not just a property of neurons or neuronal networks. Ongoing studies using state-of-the-art molecular techniques and cellular imaging reveal that both astroglia and microglia significantly contribute to the maintenance of sleep and sleep homeostasis through distinct yet interrelated mechanisms. Collectively, this novel work advances our understanding of glial involvement in sleep, suggesting that both microglia and astrocytes are critical regulators of sleep dynamics. This symposium aims to stage these advances in glial research by bringing together established sleep researchers and offering a platform for emerging academics from diverse backgrounds to present their exciting new findings on the role of glia on sleep regulation in health and their relevance to mental disorders.

Recent work by Prof. Yang Dan has demonstrated that microglia actively participate in sleep-wake regulation, with noradrenaline emerging as a key neuromodulator of their activity and a regulator of sleep-wake cycles. Complementing these findings, Min Xu will discuss the role of microglia in remodeling neuronal circuits, notably following sleep deprivation, bridging animal and human research, and the outcomes of disrupting these cells’ homeostasis on sleep-wake patterns. The work of Ashley Ingiosi emphasizes the importance of forebrain astrocytes in sleep regulation. His seminal studies imaging activity of astrocytes demonstrate how these cells track sleep need and serve as key factors in sleep homeostasis. PD Carolina Gutierrez Herrera will present new findings on the topographic regulation of cortical astrocytes in mediating both local and global recovery processes that maintain sleep integrity relevant to mental disorders.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this CME activity, participants will be able to:
• Describe the basic properties and regulation of microglia activity and the importance of microglia in sleep regulation
• Recognize opportunities for translational and clinical investigation on microglia and sleep disorders
• Describe the role of microglia in remodeling neuronal circuits
• Describe the effects of sleep deprivation on microglia activity and function
• Recognize microglia as potential mediators of sleep disturbance effects on brain function
• Describe the basic properties and functions of astroglia in the brain
• Describe the importance of astrocytes in sleep regulation and sleep homeostasis
• Identify suitable tools for assessing astrocyte activity in the brain
• Describe the basic properties and functions of astroglia in the brain and the importance of astrocytes in sleep regulation
• Identify suitable tools for dissecting the role of astrocytes in sleep circuitry and sleep functions
• Recognize opportunities for translational and clinical investigation on astrocytes and sleep disturbance