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Published on: April 13, 2017
Microglia regulation of central nervous system myelin health and regeneration
Sarah A Kent1,2, Veronique E Miron3,4,5,6,7
1UK Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
Abstract:
Microglia are resident macrophages of the central nervous system that have key functions in its development, homeostasis and response to damage and infection. Although microglia have been increasingly implicated in contributing to the pathology that underpins neurological dysfunction and disease, they also have crucial roles in neurological homeostasis and regeneration. This includes regulation of the maintenance and regeneration of myelin, the membrane that surrounds neuronal axons, which is required for axonal health and function. Myelin is damaged with normal ageing and in several neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer disease. Given the lack of approved therapies targeting myelin maintenance or regeneration, it is imperative to understand the mechanisms by which microglia support and restore myelin health to identify potential therapeutic approaches. However, the mechanisms by which microglia regulate myelin loss or integrity are still being uncovered. In this Review, we discuss recent work that reveals the changes in white matter with ageing and neurodegenerative disease, how this relates to microglia dynamics during myelin damage and regeneration, and factors that influence the regenerative functions of microglia.
Insights
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, play a vital role in myelin repair. Understanding their function in myelin regeneration is key to developing new therapies for neurological diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microglia are central nervous system macrophages crucial for development, homeostasis, and injury response.
- While implicated in neurological disease pathology, microglia also support homeostasis and regeneration, including myelin maintenance.
- Myelin damage occurs in aging and neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the mechanisms by which microglia regulate myelin integrity and regeneration.
- To identify potential therapeutic strategies targeting microglia for myelin repair.
- To review recent findings on white matter changes, microglia dynamics, and factors influencing their regenerative functions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on microglia, myelin dynamics, and neurodegeneration.
- Analysis of changes in white matter with aging and disease.
- Examination of factors influencing microglial regenerative capabilities.
Main Results:
- Microglia dynamics change during myelin damage and regeneration.
- Aging and neurodegenerative diseases impact white matter and microglial function.
- Specific factors influence the capacity of microglia to promote myelin repair.
Conclusions:
- Understanding microglia's role in myelin maintenance and regeneration is critical for therapeutic development.
- Further research into microglial mechanisms is needed to harness their repair potential.
- Targeting microglia may offer novel therapeutic avenues for myelin disorders.
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