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Updated: Oct 15, 2025
Three-dimensional Confocal Analysis of Microglia/macrophage Markers of Polarization in Experimental Brain Injury
Published on: September 4, 2013
Epigenetic Regulations of Microglia/Macrophage Polarization in Ischemic Stroke
Meiqian Qiu1, En Xu1, Lixuan Zhan1
1Institute of Neurosciences and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University and Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Microglia/macrophages (MMs)-mediated neuroinflammation contributes significantly to the pathological process of ischemic brain injury. Microglia, serving as resident innate immune cells in the central nervous system, undergo pro-inflammatory phenotype or anti-inflammatory phenotype in response to the microenvironmental changes after cerebral ischemia. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetics modifications, reversible modifications of the phenotype without changing the DNA sequence, could play a pivotal role in regulation of MM polarization. However, the knowledge of the mechanism of epigenetic regulations of MM polarization after cerebral ischemia is still limited. In this review, we present the recent advances in the mechanisms of epigenetics involved in regulating MM polarization, including histone modification, non-coding RNA, and DNA methylation. In addition, we discuss the potential of epigenetic-mediated MM polarization as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for ischemic stroke. It is valuable to identify the underlying mechanisms between epigenetics and MM polarization, which may provide a promising treatment strategy for neuronal damage after cerebral ischemia.
Insights
Epigenetic modifications regulate microglia/macrophages (MMs) polarization, crucial for neuroinflammation in ischemic stroke. Understanding these mechanisms offers potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for brain injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Ischemic stroke is a major global health concern, causing significant death and disability.
- Neuroinflammation, driven by microglia/macrophages (MMs), is a key factor in ischemic brain injury pathology.
- MMs in the central nervous system can adopt pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory phenotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in epigenetic mechanisms regulating MM polarization after cerebral ischemia.
- To explore the role of histone modification, non-coding RNA, and DNA methylation in MM polarization.
- To discuss the potential of epigenetic-mediated MM polarization as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for ischemic stroke.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific advances.
- Analysis of epigenetic modifications (histone modification, non-coding RNA, DNA methylation).
- Discussion of potential clinical applications.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic modifications are pivotal in regulating MM polarization.
- Specific epigenetic mechanisms including histone modification, non-coding RNA, and DNA methylation are involved.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing new treatments.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic regulation of MM polarization is a critical area for understanding ischemic stroke.
- Targeting epigenetic mechanisms offers promising therapeutic strategies for neuronal damage.
- Further research into the interplay between epigenetics and MM polarization is warranted for effective stroke treatment.
