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Updated: Sep 1, 2025
Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
Published on: January 30, 2014
Circadian modulation of microglial physiological processes and immune responses
Mara A Guzmán-Ruiz1, Natalí N Guerrero-Vargas2, Alejandra Lagunes-Cruz1
1Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, Mexico.
Abstract:
Microglia is considered the central nervous system (CNS) resident macrophages that establish an innate immune response against pathogens and toxins. However, the recent studies have shown that microglial gene and protein expression follows a circadian pattern; several immune activation markers and clock genes are expressed rhythmically without the need for an immune stimulus. Furthermore, microglia responds to an immune challenge with different magnitudes depending on the time of the day. This review examines the circadian control of microglia function and the possible physiological implications. For example, we discuss that synaptic prune is performed in the cortex at a certain moment of the day. We also consider the implications of daily microglial function for maintaining biological rhythms like general activity, body temperature, and food intake. We conclude that the developmental stage, brain region, and pathological state are not the only factors to consider for the evaluation of microglial functions; instead, emerging evidence indicates that circadian time as an essential aspect for a better understanding of the role of microglia in CNS physiology.
Insights
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, exhibit daily rhythms in their function and response to stimuli. Understanding this circadian control is crucial for comprehending central nervous system (CNS) physiology and pathology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Chronobiology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Microglia are the primary immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS).
- Recent research reveals that microglial gene and protein expression exhibit circadian patterns.
- Microglia's immune response intensity varies depending on the time of day.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the circadian control of microglia function.
- To explore the physiological implications of daily microglial activity.
- To highlight the importance of circadian timing in CNS physiology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on microglial circadian rhythms.
- Analysis of research on clock genes and immune markers in microglia.
- Examination of physiological processes influenced by daily microglial function.
Main Results:
- Microglial gene and protein expression show significant circadian rhythmicity.
- Immune challenges elicit differential microglial responses based on the time of day.
- Daily microglial functions are implicated in maintaining biological rhythms like activity and temperature.
Conclusions:
- Circadian time is a critical factor in evaluating microglial function, alongside developmental stage, brain region, and pathology.
- Understanding the circadian regulation of microglia is essential for advancing CNS physiology and neuroimmunology.
- Future research should integrate circadian timing to fully elucidate microglia's role in health and disease.
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