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Microglia along sex lines: From brain colonization, maturation and function, to implication in neurodevelopmental
Maude Bordeleau1, Micaël Carrier2, Giamal N Luheshi3
1Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology
|June 16, 2019
Summary
Microglia, immune cells in the brain, play crucial roles in neurodevelopment. Sex differences in microglial function may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Microglia, traditionally immune sentinels, now regulate neuronal development and network formation.
- Disruption of microglial roles during development is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder.
- NDDs show sex-based prevalence differences, with underlying mechanisms largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological roles of microglia during neurodevelopment.
- To examine sex differences in microglial function.
- To explore the hypothesis that microglial sexual dimorphism contributes to NDDs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on microglial functions in neurodevelopment.
- Analysis of studies investigating sexual dimorphism in microglia.
- Synthesis of evidence linking microglial sex differences to NDDs.
Main Results:
- Microglia actively regulate critical aspects of brain development, including cell migration, differentiation, maturation, and network formation.
- Significant sexual dimorphism exists in microglial colonization, maturation, and function during brain development.
- Emerging evidence suggests these microglial sex differences may underlie the sex-specific emergence of NDDs.
Conclusions:
- Microglia are key players in neurodevelopment with sexually dimorphic characteristics.
- Microglial sexual dimorphism is a potential contributing factor to the sex-based disparities observed in various neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Further research into microglial sexual dimorphism is crucial for understanding and potentially treating NDDs.
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