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Microglia modulate hippocampal neural precursor activity in response to exercise and aging
Jana Vukovic1, Michael J Colditz, Daniel G Blackmore
1Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
Summary
Exercise promotes adult hippocampal neurogenesis through microglia. Microglia from exercising mice activate neural precursor cells, while blocking CX(3)CR1 inhibits this effect, highlighting the CX(3)CL1-CX(3)CR1 axis role.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is enhanced by exercise, but underlying mechanisms are unclear.
- Microglia are implicated in regulating neurogenesis in the adult brain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct role of hippocampal microglia in exercise-induced neural precursor cell activation.
- To elucidate the molecular pathways, specifically the CX(3)CL1-CX(3)CR1 axis, involved in this process.
Main Methods:
- Utilized transgenic Csf1r-GFP mice to track microglia.
- Selective removal of microglia from hippocampal cultures.
- Infusion of blocking antibodies against CX(3)CR1.
- Analysis of CX(3)CL1 levels in relation to age and exercise.
Main Results:
- Exercise-induced neural precursor cell activity was dependent on microglia.
- Microglia from exercising mice activated precursor cells in sedentary mice.
- Blocking CX(3)CR1 abolished exercise-induced neurogenesis.
- CX(3)CL1 levels decreased with age, correlating with reduced precursor cell activity.
Conclusions:
- Endogenous microglia play a dual role in modulating hippocampal neural precursor cell activity.
- The CX(3)CL1-CX(3)CR1 signaling pathway is critical for exercise-induced neurogenesis.
- Microglial function and CX(3)CL1 signaling are important in age-related decline in neurogenesis.
