Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

A Cell Culture Model for Studying the Role of Neuron-Glia Interactions in Ischemia
11:36

A Cell Culture Model for Studying the Role of Neuron-Glia Interactions in Ischemia

Published on: November 14, 2020

Vimentin participates in microglia activation and neurotoxicity in cerebral ischemia

Susan X Jiang1, Jacqueline Slinn, Amy Aylsworth

  • 1Institute for Biological Sciences, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Journal of Neurochemistry
|June 12, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Vimentin controls brain immune cell activation, reducing neurotoxicity in stroke models. This finding reveals vimentin

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Microglia are the brain's immune cells, crucial in neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Activated microglia release pro-inflammatory factors (e.g., TNFα), leading to neurotoxicity.
  • The role of specific proteins in regulating microglia activation remains an active research area.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of vimentin in microglia activation and neurotoxicity.
  • To determine if vimentin influences microglia response during cerebral ischemia.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized in vitro (LPS stimulation) and in vivo (transient focal cerebral ischemia) models.
  • Employed vimentin knockout microglia and gene reintroduction experiments.
  • Assessed microglia activation and brain neurotoxicity following ischemic events.

Main Results:

  • Vimentin deletion significantly impaired microglia activation in response to LPS and cerebral ischemia.
  • Restoration of vimentin in knockout microglia re-established normal LPS response.
  • Reduced microglia activation due to vimentin impairment conferred significant neuroprotection in stroke models.

Conclusions:

  • Vimentin plays a critical role in regulating microglia activation.
  • Targeting vimentin may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for mitigating neurotoxicity in cerebral ischemia.
  • This study uncovers a previously unrecognized function of vimentin in neuroinflammation.

More Related Videos

Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates09:12

Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates

Published on: January 30, 2014

Characterization and Isolation of Mouse Primary Microglia by Density Gradient Centrifugation10:21

Characterization and Isolation of Mouse Primary Microglia by Density Gradient Centrifugation

Published on: February 16, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Cellular Injury IV: Necrosis01:16

Cellular Injury IV: Necrosis

Necrosis is a form of irreversible cell death caused by severe injury such as ischemia, toxins, or trauma. Unlike programmed cell death, it is an uncontrolled, pathological process that typically provokes inflammation in surrounding tissues.Pathophysiologic ChangesNecrosis begins when cells sustain critical damage, leading to swelling of organelles, particularly mitochondria, and rapid ATP depletion. As energy levels decline, membrane ion pumps fail, leading to calcium influx and eventually,...
Cellular Injury IlI: Cellular Death01:11

Cellular Injury IlI: Cellular Death

Cell death is the irreversible loss of cellular structure and function, representing the final stage of severe injury. It plays a key role in both normal physiology and disease.Types of Cell DeathThe two main types are necrosis and apoptosis, though others like necroptosis and pyroptosis also exist.Necrosis:Necrosis is an unregulated form of cell death caused by severe injury such as trauma, toxins, or ischemia. It is characterized by cell swelling, membrane loss, rupture, and leakage of...