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Updated: Oct 26, 2025
Transplantation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Microglia in Immunocompetent Mice Brain via Non-Invasive Transnasal Route
Published on: May 31, 2022
Microglia replacement by microglia transplantation (Mr MT) in the adult mouse brain
Zhen Xu1, Bo Peng2, Yanxia Rao3
1Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
Abstract:
Mutations in microglia may cause brain disorders. Replacement of dysfunctional microglia by allogeneic wild-type microglia from bone marrow transplantation (Mr BMT) or peripheral blood can correct the gene deficiency at the brain-wide scale but cannot achieve precise replacement at specific brain regions. Here, we introduce a strategy with potential clinical relevance-microglia replacement by microglia transplantation (Mr MT), combining tamoxifen-induced ablation of Mr BMT cells and intracranial injection of microglia to mouse brain, to achieve region-sepcific microglia replacement. The original abbreviation of this microglia replacement strategy is mrMT. We hereby change the name to Mr MT. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Xu et al. (2020).
Insights
This study introduces microglia replacement by microglia transplantation (Mr MT) to precisely target specific brain regions. This method enables region-specific microglia replacement, offering a potential clinical strategy for brain disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Microglia mutations are linked to various brain disorders.
- Current microglia replacement methods like bone marrow transplantation (BMT) correct gene deficiencies brain-wide but lack regional precision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel strategy for region-specific microglia replacement in the mouse brain.
- To establish microglia replacement by microglia transplantation (Mr MT) as a viable technique for targeted brain repair.
Main Methods:
- The study combined tamoxifen-induced ablation of existing microglia with intracranial injection of wild-type microglia.
- This protocol, termed Mr MT, was designed to achieve precise microglia replacement in specific brain areas.
Main Results:
- The Mr MT strategy enables targeted replacement of microglia in specific brain regions.
- This approach offers a more precise alternative to whole-brain microglia replacement methods.
Conclusions:
- Microglia replacement by microglia transplantation (Mr MT) is a promising technique for region-specific brain repair.
- This method holds potential for clinical applications in treating brain disorders caused by microglial dysfunction.
