Neuronal networks are capable of undergoing rapid structural and functional changes called plasticity, which are essential for shaping circuit function during nervous system development. These changes range from short-term modifications on the order of milliseconds, to long-term rearrangement of neural architecture that could last for the lifetime of the organism. Neural plasticity is most prominent during development, yet also plays a critical role during memory formation, behavior, and disease. Therefore, it is essential to define and characterize the mechanisms underlying the onset, duration, and form of plasticity. Astrocytes, the most numerous glial cell type in the human nervous system, are integral elements of synapses and are components of a glial network that can coordinate neural activity at a circuit-wide level. Moreover, their arrival to the CNS during late embryogenesis correlates to the onset of sensory-evoked activity, making them an interesting target for circuit plasticity studies. Technological advancements in the last decade have uncovered astrocytes as prominent regulators of circuit assembly and function. Here, we provide a brief historical perspective on our understanding of astrocytes in the nervous system, and review the latest advances on the role of astroglia in regulating circuit plasticity and function during nervous system development and homeostasis.

中文翻译：

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星形胶质细胞介导的可塑性在神经回路发育和功能中的作用

神经元网络能够经历称为可塑性的快速结构和功能变化，这对于在神经系统发育过程中塑造电路功能至关重要。这些变化的范围从毫秒数量级的短期修改到可能持续有机体生命周期的神经结构的长期重排。神经可塑性在发育过程中最为突出，但在记忆形成、行为和疾病过程中也起着关键作用。因此，有必要定义和表征可塑性的发生、持续时间和形式的机制。星形胶质细胞是人类神经系统中数量最多的神经胶质细胞类型，是突触的组成部分，是神经胶质网络的组成部分，可以在电路范围内协调神经活动。而且，它们在胚胎发育晚期到达中枢神经系统与感觉诱发活动的开始相关，使它们成为电路可塑性研究的有趣目标。过去十年的技术进步揭示了星形胶质细胞作为电路组装和功能的重要调节器。在这里，我们简要回顾了我们对神经系统中星形胶质细胞的理解，并回顾了星形胶质细胞在神经系统发育和稳态过程中调节电路可塑性和功能的作用的最新进展。