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Two-photon Imaging of Microglial Processes' Attraction Toward ATP or Serotonin in Acute Brain Slices

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Deciphering Resting Microglial Morphology and Process Motility from a Synaptic Prospect.

Ines Hristovska¹, Olivier Pascual¹

¹INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292, Lyon Neuroscience Research CenterLyon, France; Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1Lyon, France.

Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience

|February 3, 2016

Summary

Microglia, the brain's immune cells, actively survey synapses in the healthy brain. Neuronal activity dynamically shapes microglial behavior and their crucial role in maintaining neural circuit homeostasis.

Keywords:

ATP glutamate microglia motility neuronal activity

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Immunology
Cell Biology

Background:

Microglia, the central nervous system (CNS) immune cells, were historically viewed as passive responders to injury or disease.
Emerging evidence indicates microglia actively monitor the healthy brain, extending processes to sample tissue and interact with synapses.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent findings on the instructive role of neuronal activity in modulating microglial motility and synapse interactions.
To highlight key neurotransmitters involved in neuron-microglia communication in the physiological state.
To discuss novel communication pathways within the tripartite synapse.

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent studies on microglial function in the healthy CNS.
Analysis of research investigating neuron-microglia communication mechanisms.
Focus on studies examining the impact of neuronal activity on microglial behavior.

Main Results:

Microglial morphology and motility are significantly influenced by neuronal activity, sensory experiences, and neurotransmission.
Microglia exhibit remarkable morphological plasticity, enabling them to sense local activity and establish synaptic contacts.
These interactions allow microglia to regulate synaptic function, number, maturation, and plasticity.

Conclusions:

Microglia are dynamic regulators of synaptic function and brain homeostasis, not just passive immune cells.
Understanding neuron-to-microglia communication in physiological conditions is crucial for deciphering microglial roles in brain health.
Further characterization of these interactions will advance knowledge of microglial regulation in the healthy brain.