A tripartite synapse comprises a neuronal presynaptic axon and a postsynaptic dendrite, which are closely ensheathed by a perisynaptic astrocyte process. Through their structural and functional association with thousands of neuronal synapses, astrocytes regulate synapse formation and function. Recent work revealed a diverse range of cell adhesion–based mechanisms that mediate astrocyte–synapse interactions at tripartite synapses. Here, we will review some of these findings unveiling a highly dynamic bidirectional signaling between astrocytes and synapses, which orchestrates astrocyte morphological maturation and synapse development. Moreover, we will discuss the roles of these newly discovered molecular pathways in brain physiology and function both in health and disease.

三联突触包括神经元突触前轴突和突触后树突，它们被突触周围星形胶质细胞过程紧密包裹。通过它们与数以千计的神经元突触的结构和功能关联，星形胶质细胞调节突触的形成和功能。最近的工作揭示了多种基于细胞粘附的机制，这些机制在三联突触中介导星形胶质细胞-突触相互作用。在这里，我们将回顾其中的一些发现，揭示星形胶质细胞和突触之间高度动态的双向信号传导，它协调星形胶质细胞形态成熟和突触发育。此外，我们将讨论这些新发现的分子通路在大脑生理学中的作用以及在健康和疾病中的功能。