Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
08:47
Generating and Co-culturing Murine Primary Microglia and Cortical Neurons
Published on: July 26, 2024
Microglia regulate the number of neural precursor cells in the developing cerebral cortex
Christopher L Cunningham1, Verónica Martínez-Cerdeño, Stephen C Noctor
1Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California 95817, USA.
Summary
Microglia, immune cells in the brain, limit neuron production by consuming neural precursor cells during development. This discovery reveals a key mechanism regulating brain size and development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Proper regulation of neurogenesis is crucial for cerebral cortex development.
- Mechanisms that restrain excessive neuron production are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microglial cells in regulating cortical neuron production during development.
- To elucidate how microglia influence the neural precursor cell pool.
Main Methods:
- Studied microglial function in prenatal and postnatal macaques and rats.
- Observed microglial colonization of cortical proliferative zones.
- Manipulated microglial activity in utero using tetracyclines and liposomal clodronate.
- Induced maternal immune activation to alter microglial activation states.
Main Results:
- Microglia were found to phagocytose (consume) neural precursor cells.
- Deactivating or eliminating microglia increased neural precursor cell numbers.
- Activating microglia decreased neural precursor cell numbers.
- Microglia selectively target precursor cells as neurogenesis concludes.
Conclusions:
- Microglia play a fundamental role in limiting the neural precursor cell pool in the developing cerebral cortex.
- Microglia are key regulators of cortical development and brain size.
- In utero factors affecting microglia can profoundly impact neural development and behavior.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Nervous 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...
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells that interact...
01:04Glial Cells
Overview
01:15Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
In the CNS, neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons from stem cells, is limited to the hippocampus in adults. In other regions of the brain and spinal cord, neurogenesis is almost non-existent due to inhibitory influences from neuroglia, especially oligodendrocytes, and the absence of growth-stimulating cues. The myelin produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS inhibits neuronal regeneration. Furthermore, astrocytes proliferate rapidly after neuronal damage, forming scar tissue that physically...