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Microglial Activation in the Neurodevelopment: A Narrative Review.
Airam Barbosa de Moura1, Morgana Sonza Abitante1, Ritele Hernandez Silva1
1Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Current Molecular Medicine
|October 20, 2021
Summary
Microglia, the CNS immune cells, are crucial for brain development and function. Environmental factors and gut microbiota impact microglia, influencing neurodevelopment and psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia and ASD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Microglia are central nervous system (CNS) immune cells vital for infection control and debris clearance.
- These glial cells play a role in synaptogenesis and neuron morphology during brain development through interactions with neurons and other glial cells.
- Microglial function and morphology are influenced by external systems, including the gut microbiota.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review microglia functions in CNS maintenance.
- To explore the association of microglia with the gut-brain axis and environmental stressors.
- To understand how factors like stress, maternal deprivation, sleep deprivation, immune activation, and ethanol exposure impact microglia during neurodevelopment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles on microglia.
- Analysis of the role of microglia in neurodevelopment.
- Examination of the influence of environmental factors and the gut microbiota on microglia.
Main Results:
- Microglia secrete signaling molecules (chemokines, neurotrophic factors) influencing neuronal connections and morphology.
- Various factors across developmental periods (in utero to adulthood) can affect microglia.
- Impairment in microglia is linked to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), and depression.
Conclusions:
- Microglia are essential for CNS health and neurodevelopment.
- The gut-brain axis and environmental stressors significantly impact microglial function.
- Understanding these influences is critical for addressing neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.
