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Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
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Synapse-specific roles for microglia in development: New horizons in the prefrontal cortex
Sara V Blagburn-Blanco1,2,3, Megan S Chappell1,3, Lindsay M De Biase3
1Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience
|August 25, 2022
Summary
Microglia play a crucial role in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) development. This review explores how microglia influence mPFC circuit maturation and its implications for neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) dysfunction is linked to neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Microglia's role in mPFC development and disease pathogenesis is not fully understood.
- mPFC circuits undergo prolonged postnatal maturation, making them vulnerable to disruptions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on how microglia influence mPFC circuit maturation.
- To explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which microglia shape sensory circuits.
- To highlight the link between microglial pathway disruptions and neurodevelopmental/psychiatric disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature.
- Focus on molecular pathways regulating synaptogenesis and synaptic refinement.
- Analysis of microglial roles in postnatal development.
Main Results:
- Microglia directly influence mPFC circuit maturation through specific molecular pathways.
- Glial cells and immune signals regulate synaptogenesis and activity-dependent synaptic refinement.
- Disruptions in these microglial pathways are implicated in schizophrenia and ASD.
Conclusions:
- Microglia are key players in mPFC development and circuit formation.
- Aberrant microglial mechanisms may link environmental factors and genetic predispositions to mPFC dysfunction in disorders like schizophrenia and ASD.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies for neuropsychiatric conditions.
