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Neuronal synapse formation induced by microglia and interleukin 10
So-Hee Lim1, Eunha Park, Boram You
1Biomedical Proteomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea.
Plos One
|November 27, 2013
Summary
Developing microglia promote brain synapse formation. Interleukin 10 released by microglia binds to receptors on neurons, driving the growth of dendritic spines and synapses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microglia are known to regulate synaptic remodeling in the developing brain.
- The precise mechanisms underlying microglial influence on synapse formation remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microglia in neuronal synapse formation.
- To identify the key molecular factors mediating microglial effects on synapses.
Main Methods:
- Co-culture of developing microglia with hippocampal neurons.
- Application of recombinant cytokines and neutralizing antibodies.
- Analysis of dendritic spine density and synapse numbers.
- Gene knockdown of interleukin 10 receptors using shRNA.
Main Results:
- Microglia significantly increased dendritic spines and both excitatory and inhibitory synapses in cultured neurons.
- Interleukin 10 (IL-10) was identified as a key cytokine mediating these effects.
- IL-10 receptor expression was confirmed on developing hippocampal neurons.
- Knockdown of IL-10 receptors abolished microglial and IL-10-induced synaptogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Developing microglia regulate synaptic function and neuronal development.
- This regulation occurs via the release of IL-10, which acts on IL-10 receptors on hippocampal neurons.
- IL-10 is sufficient to induce synaptic formation, highlighting its critical role.
