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Derivation of a Human Brain Organoid with Microglia Development
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Microglia and the Brain: Complementary Partners in Development and Disease

Timothy R Hammond1, Daisy Robinton1, Beth Stevens1,2

  • 1FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA;

Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology
|August 9, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Microglia, the brain's immune cells, are crucial for central nervous system (CNS) development and function. Their roles in brain wiring and disease pathology are increasingly recognized, highlighting their importance in neuroscience research.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Recent technological advancements have significantly enhanced our understanding of microglia.
  • Microglia are the primary immune cells residing in the central nervous system (CNS).
  • Growing interest exists in their roles in CNS development and various neuropathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the critical functions of microglia in shaping the developing brain.
  • To discuss challenges in studying microglial contributions to brain development.
  • To examine microglial role perturbations in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent findings on microglia.
  • Analysis of microglial roles in neuronal and glial development.
  • Examination of microglial involvement in synaptic maturation and brain wiring.

Main Results:

  • Microglia significantly influence neuronal and glial development within the CNS.
  • They play key roles in synaptic maturation and the intricate process of brain wiring.
  • Understanding their developmental functions is crucial for assessing their roles in disease.

Conclusions:

  • Microglia are essential for normal brain development and function.
  • Dysregulation of microglial developmental functions is implicated in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
  • Further research into microglia is vital for understanding brain health and disease.
Keywords:
CNScentral nervous systemdevelopmentdifferentiationimmune cellsmicroglianeuroimmune interactions

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