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Author Spotlight: In Vitro Co-Culture Model for Studying Microglia-Neuronal Interactions in Disease Conditions
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Cytokine Signalling at the Microglial Penta-Partite Synapse
Jason Abbas Aramideh1, Andres Vidal-Itriago2, Marco Morsch2
1Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|December 24, 2021
Summary
We propose the term microglial penta-partite synapse for specific brain connections. These synapses involve microglia, influencing neuronal function and synaptic plasticity in health and disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Synaptic Plasticity
Background:
- Microglial cells interact with neuronal and astrocytic components at synapses.
- Existing terms like 'tetra-partite synapse' can be ambiguous.
- Microglia play crucial roles in central nervous system (CNS) synaptic modifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and define the term 'microglial penta-partite synapse'.
- To clarify the role of these synapses in synaptic plasticity and CNS function.
- To distinguish microglial involvement from neuroinflammation.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual review and definition.
- Analysis of existing literature on microglia-synapse interactions.
- Discussion of cytokine roles in synaptic modulation.
Main Results:
- Proposed the term 'microglial penta-partite synapse' for specific microglial-neuronal-astrocytic contacts.
- Highlighted that microglial activity at these synapses can modulate synaptic plasticity.
- Emphasized that microglial activation and cytokine release do not always equate to neuroinflammation.
Conclusions:
- Microglial penta-partite synapses are key sites for microglial influence on neuronal connections.
- Understanding these synapses is crucial for deciphering brain function and disease.
- Differentiating microglial roles from neuroinflammation is essential for accurate interpretation.
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