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Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
Published on: January 30, 2014
Purine Signaling and Microglial Wrapping
Bernardo Castellano1, Mar Bosch-Queralt2, Beatriz Almolda2
1Unit of Histology, Torre M5, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain. bernardo.castellano@uab.cat.
Abstract:
Microglial cells are highly dynamic cells with processes continuously moving to survey the surrounding territory. Microglia possess a broad variety of surface receptors and subtle changes in their microenvironment cause microglial cell processes to extend, retract, and interact with neuronal synaptic contacts. When the nervous system is disturbed, microglia activate, proliferate, and migrate to sites of injury in response to alert signals. Released nucleotides like ATP and UTP are among the wide range of molecules promoting microglial activation and guiding their migration and phagocytic function. The increased concentration of nucleotides in the extracellular space could be involved in the microglial wrapping found around injured neurons in various pathological conditions, especially after peripheral axotomy. Microglial wrappings isolate injured neurons from synaptic inputs and facilitate the molecular dialog between endangered or injured neurons and activated microglia. Astrocytes may also participate in neuronal ensheathment. Degradation of ATP by microglial ecto-nucleotidases and the expression of various purine receptors might be decisive in regulating the function of enwrapping glial cells and in determining the fate of damaged neurons, which may die or may regenerate their axons and survive.
Insights
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, wrap injured neurons, isolating them and facilitating communication. This process, influenced by nucleotides like ATP, impacts neuron survival and regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microglial cells are dynamic immune cells in the central nervous system.
- They constantly survey their environment and respond to disturbances.
- Microglial activation, proliferation, and migration are crucial responses to neural injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microglial cells in responding to neuronal injury.
- To explore the involvement of nucleotides in microglial activation and function.
- To understand the significance of microglial-neuronal interactions in pathological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Observational studies of microglial cell behavior in response to neuronal stimuli.
- Analysis of extracellular nucleotide concentrations and their effects on microglia.
- Investigation of microglial surface receptors and ecto-nucleotidase activity.
Main Results:
- Extracellular nucleotides, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and uridine triphosphate (UTP), are key signals for microglial activation, migration, and phagocytosis.
- Increased extracellular nucleotide levels correlate with microglial wrapping of injured neurons, particularly after peripheral axotomy.
- Microglial wrappings isolate injured neurons and mediate molecular dialogue, influencing neuronal fate.
Conclusions:
- Microglial cells play a critical role in isolating and interacting with injured neurons.
- Nucleotides and microglial ecto-nucleotidases are crucial regulators of microglial function and neuronal outcomes.
- Understanding these interactions is vital for developing therapeutic strategies for neurological damage.
