{
  "abstract": "Objective: The original goal was to map neuronal circuits activated by spontaneous seizures in models of temporal lobe epilepsy. Studies used the c-fos driven TRAP2 system, which has been used successfully to label neurons after seizures. Unexpectedly, astrocytes were also labeled, then shown to express c-fos in a sustained manner after seizures. The role of these so-called fostrocytes in spontaneous seizures was studied using novel Cre-dependent AAVs. Methods: Studies used a homozygous mouse line produced by crossing TRAP2 Cre-driver mice with the Ai9 Cre-reporter line. Seizures were induced using electrical stimulation, kainic acid, or pilocarpine. Cre-dependent AAVs used the GFAP promoter to drive expression of either the catalytic A chain of diphtheria toxin (DTA), GFP, or empty vector. Spontaneous seizures were continuously recorded using EEG. Results: Discrete seizures in naive mice evoked transient c-fos expression in all astrocytes, while status epilepticus evoked a higher and sustained level of c-fos expression. Timing the activation of the TRAP2 system allowed specific labeling of the subset of astrocytes with high c-fos expression. These cells were colocalized with established astrocyte markers, showed reactive astrocyte morphology, and were selectively labeled by GFAP-driven Cre-dependent AAVs. Ablation of fostrocytes in spontaneously seizing mice increased seizure frequency. Significance: Next-generation sequencing studies have revealed a great diversity of astrocyte subtypes, identifying clusters with up-regulated c-fos expression in patients with neurological disorders. In conclusion, these studies suggest that therapies that augment the activity of c-fos expressing astrocytes would have anti-seizure activity.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "University of Virginia"
  ],
  "article_type": "New results",
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 12,
  "authors": [
    {
      "name": "M. J. Failor"
    },
    {
      "name": "B. P. Bork"
    },
    {
      "name": "J. M. San Pietro"
    },
    {
      "name": "A. Maciejczuk"
    },
    {
      "name": "K. Elmer"
    },
    {
      "name": "C. Lile-King"
    },
    {
      "name": "M. Oliinyk"
    },
    {
      "name": "J. L. Choi"
    },
    {
      "name": "A. H. Huang"
    },
    {
      "name": "D. J. Tabor"
    },
    {
      "name": "R. P. Gaykema"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "E. Perez-Reyes"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/c70sjs4zwa8an.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.64898/2026.09.01.748637",
  "fulltext_url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.01.748637v1.full",
  "id": "c70sjs4zwa8an",
  "issns": [],
  "landing_url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.01.748637v1",
  "language": null,
  "licence": "CC-BY-NC",
  "licence_label": "CC BY-NC",
  "licence_source": "article",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": null,
  "native_subjects": [
    [
      "biorxiv",
      "neuroscience"
    ],
    [
      "openalex",
      "2738|Epilepsy research and treatment"
    ]
  ],
  "openalex": "W7210272648",
  "pdf_url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.01.748637v1.full.pdf",
  "pmcid": null,
  "pmid": null,
  "published": "2026-09-01",
  "publisher": null,
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/c70sjs4zwa8an.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-10-30T12:19:40Z",
      "native_id": "10.64898/2026.09.01.748637",
      "source": "biorxiv",
      "url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.01.748637v1"
    }
  ],
  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "biology",
      "origin": "biorxiv:neuroscience",
      "subfield": "neuroscience"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Seizures induce c-fos expression in a subset of astrocytes, termed fostrocytes, that dampen subsequent seizures",
  "title_text": "Seizures induce c-fos expression in a subset of astrocytes, termed fostrocytes, that dampen subsequent seizures",
  "type": "preprint",
  "updated_at": "2026-10-30T12:19:40Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/c70sjs4zwa8an",
  "venue": "bioRxiv",
  "versions": []
}