Microglia in brain aging: An overview of recent basic science and clinical research developments
Haixia Fan1,2,3,4, Minheng Zhang5, Jie Wen1,2,3
1Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China.
Journal of Biomedical Research
|February 25, 2024
Summary
Brain aging involves microglial cell changes impacting cognitive function and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Understanding microglia offers insights into healthy brain aging.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Immunology
Background:
- Aging causes progressive tissue degeneration and increased mortality.
- The brain undergoes age-related changes, including neuronal dysfunction and oxidative stress, leading to cognitive decline.
- Aging is a major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, historically focusing on neurons over microglia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of brain aging focusing on the role of microglia.
- To summarize current knowledge on the correlation between brain aging and microglia.
- To discuss microglial senescence and its implications for brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of recent research on microglia in brain aging.
- Analysis of microglial involvement in normal aging and neurodegenerative conditions.
- Discussion of molecular mechanisms underlying microglial function in aging.
Main Results:
- Microglial homeostasis is increasingly recognized as crucial in neurological disease pathogenesis.
- Recent studies highlight the significant role of microglia in normal brain aging and diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and ALS.
- Senescent microglia are implicated in age-related brain dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Microglia play a pivotal role in brain aging and neurodegeneration.
- Targeting microglial pathways may offer therapeutic strategies for age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Further research into microglial molecular complexity is essential for promoting healthy brain aging.
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