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Microbial Morphologies

Microbial Morphologies

Bacterial and archaeal cells exhibit remarkable diversity in shape and structure, critical in their adaptability and functionality. Among bacteria, the most commonly observed shapes include cocci and bacilli. Cocci are spherical and may exist singly or in groupings such as pairs (diplococci), chains (streptococci), clusters (staphylococci), or tetrads. Bacilli, in contrast, are rod-shaped and can also occur as single cells, in pairs, or chains, depending on their environmental and genetic...

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Updated: Dec 26, 2025

Isolation and Culture of Rodent Microglia to Promote a Dynamic Ramified Morphology in Serum-free Medium

Isolation and Culture of Rodent Microglia to Promote a Dynamic Ramified Morphology in Serum-free Medium

Published on: March 9, 2018

How microbiota shape microglial phenotypes and epigenetics.

Daniel Erny^1,2, Marco Prinz^1,3,4

¹Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.

|March 18, 2020

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Microglia, the central nervous system's immune cells, are shaped by internal and external factors, including gut microbiota. Understanding these influences is key to brain health and disease.

Keywords:

SCFAs bacteria germ-free gut-brain axis macrophage microbiota microglia

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Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates

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Last Updated: Dec 26, 2025

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Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates

Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates

Published on: January 30, 2014

Area of Science:

Neuroimmunology
Central Nervous System (CNS) Innate Immunity
Microglial Cell Biology

Background:

Microglia are the primary myeloid immune cells in the CNS, performing diverse roles from development to aging.
Microglial functions are dynamic, shifting from neurodevelopmental guidance to maintaining homeostasis and potentially becoming pro-inflammatory in aging.
Both CNS-intrinsic signals and external factors critically influence microglial phenotype and function.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the key intrinsic and extrinsic factors that shape microglial states and functions.
To highlight the significant role of host microbiota as a regulator of the CNS innate immune system.
To provide insights into microglial behavior during development, homeostasis, and disease.

Main Methods:

Literature review synthesizing current research on microglial biology.
Analysis of endogenous and exogenous factors influencing microglial phenotype.
Focus on the impact of host microbiota on CNS immunity.

Main Results:

Microglia are modulated by neuronal and glial cell crosstalk (intrinsic factors).
External signals, particularly the host microbiota, are vital regulators of microglial function.
Microglial responses vary significantly across different life stages and physiological conditions.

Conclusions:

Microglial phenotype and function are intricately regulated by a complex interplay of internal and external cues.
The host microbiota emerges as a crucial modulator of CNS innate immunity and microglial states.
Further research into these factors is essential for understanding and potentially treating neurological disorders.