Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 18, 2025
Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility
Published on: April 13, 2017
Microglia reprogram metabolic profiles for phenotype and function changes in central nervous system
Sheng Yang1, Chuan Qin1, Zi-Wei Hu1
1Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
Abstract:
In response to various types of environmental and cellular stress, microglia rapidly activate and exhibit either pro- or anti-inflammatory phenotypes to maintain tissue homeostasis. Activation of microglia can result in changes in morphology, phagocytosis capacity, and secretion of cytokines. Furthermore, microglial activation also induces changes to cellular energy demand, which is dependent on the metabolism of various metabolic substrates including glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids. Accumulating evidence demonstrates metabolic reprogramming acts as a key driver of microglial immune response. For instance, microglia in pro-inflammatory states preferentially use glycolysis for energy production, whereas, cells in anti-inflammatory states are mainly powered by oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid oxidation. In this review, we summarize recent findings regarding microglial metabolic pathways under physiological and pathological circumtances. We will then discuss how metabolic reprogramming can orchestrate microglial response to a variety of central nervous system pathologies. Finally, we highlight how manipulating metabolic pathways can reprogram microglia towards beneficial functions, and illustrate the therapeutic potential for inflammation-related neurological diseases.
Insights
Microglia, the immune cells of the brain, change their metabolism to fight inflammation. Reprogramming these metabolic pathways offers therapeutic potential for neurological diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Cellular Metabolism
Background:
- Microglia are key immune cells in the central nervous system.
- Microglial activation is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis under stress.
- Metabolic reprogramming significantly influences microglial immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review microglial metabolic pathways in physiological and pathological conditions.
- To discuss the role of metabolic reprogramming in orchestrating microglial responses to CNS pathologies.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of manipulating microglial metabolism for neurological diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent findings on microglial metabolism.
- Analysis of metabolic pathways (glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid oxidation) in different microglial states.
- Synthesis of information on metabolic reprogramming and CNS pathologies.
Main Results:
- Pro-inflammatory microglia rely on glycolysis for energy.
- Anti-inflammatory microglia utilize oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid oxidation.
- Metabolic reprogramming is a central mechanism in microglial immune function.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic pathways are critical regulators of microglial phenotype and function.
- Targeting microglial metabolism holds therapeutic promise for neuroinflammation.
- Understanding metabolic reprogramming is key to developing novel treatments for neurological disorders.
