Preface to the Special Issue “Astrocytes in Cognition and Behavior”

Astrocytes, once viewed as passive support cells in the central nervous system, are now recognized as active and dynamic regulators of neural function. Across multiple domains of central nervous system function, astrocytes interact closely with neurons to influence synaptic transmission, plasticity, and behavior. These include key brain and spinal cord functions related to information processing that impact cognition and animal behavior. This Special Issue features 12 comprehensive reviews and original data articles that highlight key advances and ongoing challenges in this field. These works collectively reflect a major shift from a neuron-centered perspective to an integrated neuron–glia framework, in which astrocytes sense neuronal and neuromodulator activity and actively shape neural circuit function in health and disease contexts.