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Published on: April 13, 2017
Microglia: Activity-dependent regulators of neural circuits
Violeta Durán Laforet1, Dorothy P Schafer1
1Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
Abstract:
It has been more than a century since Pío del Río-Hortega first characterized microglia in histological stains of brain tissue. Since then, significant advances have been made in understanding the role of these resident central nervous system (CNS) macrophages. In particular, it is now known that microglia can sense neural activity and modulate neuronal circuits accordingly. We review the mechanisms by which microglia detect changes in neural activity to then modulate synapse numbers in the developing and mature CNS. This includes responses to both spontaneous and experience-driven neural activity. We further discuss activity-dependent mechanisms by which microglia regulate synaptic function and neural circuit excitability. Together, our discussion provides a comprehensive review of the activity-dependent functions of microglia within neural circuits in the healthy CNS, and highlights exciting new open questions related to understanding more fully microglia as key components and regulators of neural circuits.
Insights
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, sense neural activity to regulate synapses and circuit function in the central nervous system (CNS). This review explores their activity-dependent roles in both developing and mature neural circuits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microglia, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS), were first described over a century ago.
- Recent research highlights microglia's crucial role in sensing neural activity and modulating neuronal circuits.
- Understanding microglia's dynamic functions is essential for comprehending CNS health and development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms by which microglia detect and respond to neural activity.
- To discuss how microglia modulate synapse numbers and synaptic function in the CNS.
- To explore the activity-dependent regulation of neural circuit excitability by microglia.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on microglia-neuron interactions.
- Analysis of mechanisms underlying microglia's sensory and modulatory functions.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on microglia's role in developing and mature CNS.
Main Results:
- Microglia actively sense both spontaneous and experience-driven neural activity.
- Microglia modulate synapse numbers and synaptic function in an activity-dependent manner.
- Microglia contribute to the regulation of neural circuit excitability.
Conclusions:
- Microglia are integral components and regulators of neural circuits in the healthy CNS.
- Activity-dependent functions of microglia are critical for CNS homeostasis.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate microglia's complex roles in neural circuits.
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