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Related Concept Videos

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells01:31

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

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Glia, or neuroglia, are vital support cells that assist neurons in their functions. The term "glia" originates from the Greek word for "glue," reflecting their role in holding the nervous system together. These cells can be categorized into six types: four in the central nervous system (CNS) and two in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial...
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Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility
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Microglia as Dynamic Cellular Mediators of Brain Function.

Elizabeth C Wright-Jin1, David H Gutmann1

  • 1Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.

Trends in Molecular Medicine
|October 11, 2019
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Microglia, immune cells in the brain, have complex roles beyond immunity. This review explores their functions in brain health, development, and diseases like autism and neurodegeneration.

Keywords:
braincentral nervous systemgliomamacrophagemicrogliaprecision medicine

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Microglia were traditionally viewed as solely immune responders in the central nervous system (CNS).
  • Recent evidence highlights their multifaceted roles in brain development and disease pathogenesis.
  • Understanding these roles is crucial for advancing neurobiology and disease treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diverse functions of microglia in the healthy brain.
  • To examine the dynamic changes microglia undergo in various neurological diseases.
  • To propose a framework for studying microglia's specific contributions to nervous system pathobiology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of current research on microglia.
  • Analysis of studies investigating microglial function in health and disease models.
  • Conceptual framework development based on emerging evidence.

Main Results:

  • Microglia actively influence neural progenitor fate, astrocyte activation, neuronal homeostasis, and synaptogenesis in healthy brains.
  • In diseases such as autism, brain tumors, and neurodegenerative disorders, microglia exhibit significant alterations in morphology, molecular profiles, and function.
  • These microglial changes are integral to disease progression and represent novel biological states.

Conclusions:

  • Microglia possess critical functions in normal brain development and maintenance.
  • Microglial responses are key drivers in the pathogenesis and progression of numerous CNS diseases.
  • Further research into microglia's specific roles is essential for developing targeted therapies for neurological disorders.