Figure 2. Modes of astrocyte-neuron contact-contact mediated interactions.
(Left) Astrocytes mature morphologically concurrently with synapse development. Cooperation between developing astrocytes and neurites are critical in stabilizing trans-synaptic connections, resulting in a functional tripartite synapse. (Right) On the other hand, astrocyte-neuron contacts may act as a negative regulator of astrocyte overgrowth that would otherwise encroach into the forming synapse and prevent synaptogenesis.