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Microglia in motor neuron disease: Signaling evidence from last 10 years
Min-Jia Wang1, Lu Kang1, Yao-Zheng Wang1
1School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sports University, Chengdu, China.
Abstract:
Motor neuron disease (MND), including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy and others, involved the upper or lower motor neurons selective loss, is characterized by neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, in conjunction with microglia. We summarized that pathways and key mediators are associated with microglia, such as fractalkine signaling, purinergic signaling, NF-κB signaling, p38 MAPK signaling, TREM2-APOE signaling, ROCK signaling, C1q signaling, and Ion channel, which are involved in the activation, proliferation, and inflammation of microglia. This review aims to identify the microglia-related molecular target and explore potential treatment strategies for MND based on that target.
Insights
Motor neuron disease (MND) involves motor neuron loss and neuroinflammation driven by microglia. Targeting microglia-related pathways offers potential new treatments for MND.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Motor neuron disease (MND), encompassing conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy, is defined by selective motor neuron loss.
- Neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, involving microglia, are key pathological hallmarks of MND.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes current knowledge on microglia-mediated pathways implicated in MND pathogenesis.
- Key signaling pathways, including fractalkine, purinergic, NF-κB, p38 MAPK, TREM2-APOE, ROCK, and C1q signaling, are analyzed.
Key Points:
- Microglia activation, proliferation, and inflammatory responses are central to MND progression.
- Specific molecular mediators and signaling cascades involving microglia are identified as crucial players.
Conclusions:
- Identifying microglia-related molecular targets is essential for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
- Targeting microglia pathways presents a promising avenue for future MND treatments.
