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Published on: June 19, 2019
Microglia dynamics in sleep/wake states and in response to sleep loss
Samuel Deurveilher1, Tatjana Golovin2, Shannon Hall1
1Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Abstract:
Sleep has an essential role for optimal brain function, but the cellular substrates for sleep regulation are not fully understood. Microglia, the immune cells of the brain, have gained increasingly more attention over the last two decades for their important roles in various brain functions that extend beyond their well-known immune function, including brain development, neuronal protection, and synaptic plasticity. Here we review recent advances in understanding: i) morphological and phenotypic dynamics of microglia including process motility/growth and gene/protein expression, and ii) microglia-neuron interactions including phagocytosis and contact at synapses which alters neuronal circuit activity, both under physiological state in the adult brain. We discuss how the microglia-neuron interactions particularly at synapses could influence microglia and neuronal activities across circadian cycles and sleep/wake states. We also review recent findings on how microglia respond to sleep loss. We conclude by pointing out key questions and proposing suggestions for future research to better understand the role of microglia in sleep regulation, sleep homeostasis, and the function of sleep.
Insights
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, are increasingly recognized for their role in brain functions. This review explores how microglia-neuron interactions influence sleep regulation and how sleep loss affects these cells.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Sleep Science
Background:
- Sleep is vital for brain function, but its cellular regulation remains unclear.
- Microglia, the brain’s immune cells, play roles beyond immunity, including in development, neuroprotection, and synaptic plasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding microglia dynamics and their interactions with neurons.
- To discuss the influence of microglia-neuron interactions on circadian rhythms and sleep-wake states.
- To examine microglia's response to sleep deprivation and propose future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on microglia morphology, phenotype, and function.
- Analysis of studies investigating microglia-neuron interactions at synapses.
- Synthesis of findings on microglia's role in sleep regulation and response to sleep loss.
Main Results:
- Microglia exhibit dynamic morphological and phenotypic changes.
- Microglia-neuron interactions, especially at synapses, modulate neuronal circuit activity.
- Sleep loss impacts microglia function, suggesting a role in sleep homeostasis.
Conclusions:
- Microglia-neuron interactions are crucial for regulating sleep and brain function.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of microglia in sleep regulation and the consequences of sleep loss.
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