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Glial Cells01:04

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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.
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Snapshot of microglial physiological functions.

Alexei Verkhratsky1, Dandan Sun2, Junya Tanaka3

  • 1Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK; Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011, Bilbao, Spain.

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Microglia, the brain's immune cells, are vital for nervous system defense and function throughout life. They regulate brain development, plasticity, and physiological processes like sleep via sophisticated signaling and ion transport.

Keywords:
MicrogliaNeuroprotectionPhysiologyReceptorsSynaptic pruningSynaptic transmissionTransporters

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Microglia are the primary immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS).
  • They exist in a surveilling, ramified state in the healthy brain, monitoring neuronal structures.
  • Microglia are increasingly recognized for their roles in brain development, aging, and physiological functions like sleep.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of the physiological roles of microglia in the nervous system.
  • To highlight the regulatory mechanisms controlling microglial function.
  • To introduce a special issue dedicated to microglial physiology.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on microglial physiology.
  • Discussion of signaling pathways and ion transport in microglia.
  • Emphasis on microglial interactions with neurons, including synaptic pruning and trogocytosis.

Main Results:

  • Microglia are essential for brain development, maturation, plasticity, and aging.
  • Their physiological state is regulated by complex signaling cascades and ion homeostasis.
  • Microglia actively participate in synaptic remodeling through phagocytosis (synaptic pruning and trogocytosis).

Conclusions:

  • Microglia are critical for maintaining nervous system health and function.
  • Understanding microglial physiology is key to comprehending brain processes.
  • This collection of papers offers in-depth insights into the diverse physiological roles of microglia.