Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2025
Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility
Published on: April 13, 2017
Microglia and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
John R Lukens1,2, Ukpong B Eyo1,2
1Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA;
Abstract:
Mounting evidence indicates that microglia, which are the resident immune cells of the brain, play critical roles in a diverse array of neurodevelopmental processes required for proper brain maturation and function. This evidence has ultimately led to growing speculation that microglial dysfunction may play a role in neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) pathoetiology. In this review, we first provide an overview of how microglia mechanistically contribute to the sculpting of the developing brain and neuronal circuits. To provide an example of how disruption of microglial biology impacts NDD development, we also highlight emerging evidence that has linked microglial dysregulation to autism spectrum disorder pathogenesis. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in how the gut microbiome shapes microglial biology. In the last section of this review, we put a spotlight on this burgeoning area of microglial research and discuss how microbiota-dependent modulation of microglial biology is currently thought to influence NDD progression.
Insights
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, are crucial for neurodevelopment. Their dysfunction is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), with gut microbiome interactions emerging as a key factor in NDD progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Microglia are resident immune cells in the brain, essential for neurodevelopment.
- Microglial dysfunction is increasingly implicated in the pathology of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanistic roles of microglia in brain development and neuronal circuit formation.
- To examine the link between microglial dysregulation and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) pathogenesis.
- To explore the influence of the gut microbiome on microglial biology and its impact on NDDs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of microglial function in neurodevelopment.
- Analysis of studies linking microglial biology to NDDs, including ASD.
- Synthesis of research on gut microbiome-microglia interactions in the context of NDDs.
Main Results:
- Microglia actively sculpt the developing brain and neuronal circuits.
- Evidence suggests microglial dysregulation is associated with ASD pathogenesis.
- The gut microbiome significantly modulates microglial biology, influencing NDD progression.
Conclusions:
- Microglia play indispensable roles in normal brain development.
- Understanding microglial dysfunction is critical for NDD research.
- The gut microbiome represents a novel therapeutic target for modulating microglial function in NDDs.
Related Concept Videos
01:04Glial Cells
01:28Disorders of the Nervous Tissue
Homeostatic Imbalances:
Alzheimer's disease manifests as a gradual decline in memory and cognitive abilities, attributed to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Parkinson's disease arises from the...