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Updated: Jul 19, 2025
Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice
Published on: June 19, 2019
[Research progress of signal pathways of microglia activation in sleep disorders]
Zhi-Jun Shu1, Quan-Yi Zhang1, Yi-Peng Xu1
1School of Acupuncture-moxibustion and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China.
Abstract:
Sleep is an extremely important physiological state to maintain human life. Sleep disorders can not only cause anxiety and depression, but also induce multi-system diseases that seriously affect brain function and physical health. The neuroinflammation is a key pathological process after sleep disorders, which can induce a series of nervous system diseases. In recent years, the role of microglia activation in neuroinflammation has been paid more and more attention and become a research hotspot in this field. The imbalance of the central microenvironment after sleep disorders leads to changes in the activation and polarization of microglia, which triggers neuroinflammatory response. The activation and polarization of microglia in the sleep disorders are regulated by multiple signaling pathways and complex molecular mechanisms. This paper summarizes five signaling pathways of microglia activation in central inflammation induced by sleep disorders, including P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), p38MAPK, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) pathways, in order to provide reference for further research and clinical treatment targets selection of sleep disorders.
Insights
Sleep disorders trigger neuroinflammation by activating microglia, a key process in central nervous system diseases. This review details five pathways regulating microglia activation, offering insights for future research and treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pathology
Context:
- Sleep disorders are critical health issues impacting mental and physical well-being.
- Neuroinflammation, driven by microglia activation, is a primary consequence of sleep disturbances.
- Understanding microglia's role is crucial for addressing sleep disorder-related neurological diseases.
Purpose:
- To review key signaling pathways involved in microglia activation during sleep disorder-induced neuroinflammation.
- To highlight the molecular mechanisms regulating microglia activation and polarization.
- To provide a reference for selecting clinical treatment targets for sleep disorders.
Summary:
- Sleep deprivation disrupts the central microenvironment, leading to microglia activation and polarization.
- Five critical signaling pathways—P2X7R, p38MAPK, TLR4/NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and α7-nAChR—regulate microglia activation in sleep disorders.
- These pathways collectively contribute to the neuroinflammatory response.
Impact:
- Offers a comprehensive overview of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in sleep disorders.
- Identifies potential therapeutic targets for managing sleep disorder-related neurological conditions.
- Facilitates further research into the complex interplay between sleep, microglia, and neuroinflammation.
