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Related Concept Videos

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells01:31

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

Glia, or neuroglia, are vital support cells that assist neurons in their functions. The term "glia" originates from the Greek word for "glue," reflecting their role in holding the nervous system together. These cells can be categorized into six types: four in the central nervous system (CNS) and two in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells that interact...
Glial Cells01:04

Glial Cells

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Updated: May 15, 2026

Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
09:12

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

Published on: January 30, 2014

Microglia: actively surveying and shaping neuronal circuit structure and function.

Hiroaki Wake1, Andrew J Moorhouse, Akiko Miyamoto

  • 1Nervous System Development and Plasticity Section, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, USA.

Trends in Neurosciences
|December 25, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Microglia, immune cells of the brain, are crucial for healthy brain function and neural circuit development. Their dysfunction is linked to neurological and psychiatric disorders.

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Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility
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Published on: April 13, 2017

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Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
09:12

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

Published on: January 30, 2014

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility
07:54

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility

Published on: April 13, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Traditionally, microglia were known for roles in brain infection and disease.
  • Emerging evidence highlights their critical functions in maintaining healthy brain homeostasis.
  • These functions include regulating cell death, synapse elimination, neurogenesis, and neuronal surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of microglia in neural circuit development, plasticity, and maintenance.
  • To focus on the intricate interactions between microglia and synapses.
  • To explore the implications of microglial dysfunction in neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on microglial biology and function.
  • Analysis of studies investigating microglial migration and proliferation in the brain.
  • Synthesis of evidence linking microglial activities to neural circuit maturation and behavior.

Main Results:

  • Microglia actively participate in synapse elimination and neuronal surveillance.
  • Microglial actions are essential for the maturation and plasticity of neural circuits.
  • Recent studies show microglia migration and proliferation are key to their function.

Conclusions:

  • Microglia play a vital role in the development, plasticity, and maintenance of neural circuits.
  • Dysfunctional microglia are implicated in the pathogenesis of psychiatric and neurological disorders.
  • Understanding microglial roles offers potential therapeutic targets for brain diseases.