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An overview on microglial origin, distribution, and phenotype in Alzheimer's disease
Rezwanul Islam1, Hadi Choudhary1, Robin Rajan2
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA.
Abstract:
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease that is responsible for about one-third of dementia cases worldwide. It is believed that AD is initiated with the deposition of Ab plaques in the brain. Genetic studies have shown that a high number of AD risk genes are expressed by microglia, the resident macrophages of brain. Common mode of action by microglia cells is neuroinflammation and phagocytosis. Moreover, it has been discovered that inflammatory marker levels are increased in AD patients. Recent studies advocate that neuroinflammation plays a major role in AD progression. Microglia have different activation profiles depending on the region of brain and stimuli. In different activation, profile microglia can generate either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory responses. Microglia defend brain cells from pathogens and respond to injuries; also, microglia can lead to neuronal death along the way. In this review, we will bring the different roles played by microglia and microglia-related genes in the progression of AD.
Insights
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, play a dual role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Understanding their inflammatory and phagocytic functions is key to developing new AD treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia, linked to amyloid-beta (Ab) plaque deposition.
- Microglia, brain-resident macrophages, are increasingly implicated in AD pathogenesis.
- Elevated inflammatory markers in AD patients suggest a role for neuroinflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of microglia in Alzheimer's disease.
- To explore the impact of microglia-specific genes on AD progression.
- To elucidate the contribution of neuroinflammation to AD.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on microglia and Alzheimer's disease.
- Analysis of genetic studies linking microglia to AD risk.
- Examination of neuroinflammation markers and their correlation with AD.
Main Results:
- Microglia exhibit diverse activation states influencing neuroinflammation.
- Microglia can mediate both protective and detrimental effects on neurons.
- Numerous AD risk genes are expressed in microglia, highlighting their central role.
Conclusions:
- Microglia are critical players in Alzheimer's disease, with complex roles in neuroinflammation and neuronal health.
- Targeting microglial activation pathways may offer therapeutic strategies for AD.
- Further research into microglia-specific genes is essential for understanding AD progression.
