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Published on: April 13, 2017
Cellular and Molecular Characterization of Microglia: A Unique Immune Cell Population
Carole Sousa1, Knut Biber2, Alessandro Michelucci1
1NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg; Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-Belval, Luxembourg.
Abstract:
Microglia are essential for the development and function of the adult brain. Microglia arise from erythro-myeloid precursors in the yolk sac and populate the brain rudiment early during development. Unlike monocytes that are constantly renewed from bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells throughout life, resident microglia in the healthy brain persist during adulthood via constant self-renewal. Their ontogeny, together with the absence of turnover from the periphery and the singular environment of the central nervous system, make microglia a unique cell population. Supporting this notion, recent genome-wide transcriptional studies revealed specific gene expression profiles clearly distinct from other brain and peripheral immune cells. Here, we highlight the breakthrough studies that, over the last decades, helped elucidate microglial cell identity, ontogeny, and function. We describe the main techniques that have been used for this task and outline the crucial milestones that have been achieved to reach our actual knowledge of microglia. Furthermore, we give an overview of the "microgliome" that is currently emerging thanks to the constant progress in the modern profiling techniques.
Insights
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, originate from yolk sac precursors and self-renew throughout life. Their unique development and gene expression distinguish them from other immune cells.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microglia are crucial for brain development and adult function.
- They originate from yolk sac erythro-myeloid precursors and populate the brain early in development.
- Unlike peripheral monocytes, microglia self-renew in the brain, lacking peripheral turnover.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review breakthrough studies elucidating microglial identity, ontogeny, and function.
- To describe key techniques used in microglial research.
- To provide an overview of the emerging "microgliome".
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and recent scientific literature.
- Analysis of genome-wide transcriptional studies.
- Discussion of profiling techniques for microglial research.
Main Results:
- Microglia possess unique gene expression profiles distinct from other immune cells.
- Their ontogeny and self-renewal capacity establish them as a unique cell population.
- Significant milestones have been achieved in understanding microglial biology.
Conclusions:
- Microglia are a distinct cell type with a unique origin and maintenance mechanism.
- Advances in profiling techniques are rapidly expanding our knowledge of the "microgliome".
- Understanding microglia is essential for comprehending brain development and function.
