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Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
Published on: January 30, 2014
Purinergic signaling and microglia
Katrin Färber1, Helmut Kettenmann
1Cellular Neuroscience, Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13092, Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
Microglial cells are considered as the pathologic sensors of the brain. In this paper, we review mechanisms of purinergic signaling in microglia. As ATP is not only considered as a physiological signaling substance but is also elevated in pathology, it is not surprising that microglia express a variety of P2X, P2Y and adenosin receptors. As a rapid physiological event, ATP triggers a cationic conductance, increases the potassium conductance and also elicits a calcium response. As a long-term effect, purinergic receptor activation is linked to the movement of microglial processes and, in the context of pathology, to chemotaxis. The purinoreceptors also modulate the release of substances from microglia, such as cytokines, nitric oxide, or superoxide, which are important in the context of a pathologic response.
Insights
Microglia act as brain sensors, utilizing purinergic signaling involving adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and its receptors. This signaling influences microglial responses, including movement and the release of inflammatory molecules during brain pathology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Microglial cells are key brain immune cells, functioning as critical sensors of neural status.
- Purinergic signaling, mediated by molecules like adenosine triphosphate (ATP), plays a vital role in cellular communication within the central nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of purinergic signaling in microglia.
- To elucidate the role of purinergic receptors in microglial function during both physiological and pathological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on purinergic signaling pathways in microglia.
- Analysis of the expression and function of P2X, P2Y, and adenosine receptors in microglial cells.
- Examination of the downstream effects of purinergic receptor activation on microglial behavior and mediator release.
Main Results:
- Microglia express a diverse array of purinergic receptors (P2X, P2Y, adenosine receptors).
- Activation of these receptors by ATP triggers rapid cellular events, including changes in ion conductance and calcium influx.
- Purinergic signaling modulates microglial process movement, chemotaxis, and the release of inflammatory mediators like cytokines, nitric oxide, and superoxide.
Conclusions:
- Purinergic signaling is a fundamental mechanism governing microglial responses.
- Dysregulation of purinergic signaling in microglia contributes to neuroinflammatory processes.
- Targeting purinergic pathways in microglia represents a potential therapeutic strategy for neurological disorders.
