Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2025
10:47
Rapid Detection of Neurodevelopmental Phenotypes in Human Neural Precursor Cells NPCs
Published on: March 2, 2018
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Neurodevelopmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders.
Marianela Evelyn Traetta1, Adriano Maia Chaves Filho1, Elizabeth Toyin Akinluyi1,2
1Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
Advances in Neurobiology
|August 29, 2024
Summary
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, are implicated in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder (MDD). Research highlights their role in disease development and potential as therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Background:
- Microglia are the primary immune cells in the central nervous system.
- Neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders involve complex etiopathologies across the lifespan.
- Neuroimmune risk factors are increasingly recognized in these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review microglial involvement in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder (MDD).
- To examine neuroimmune risk factors contributing to these disorders from early life through adulthood.
- To discuss microglia as potential therapeutic targets for these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical findings on microglial morphology and function in animal models of ASD, schizophrenia, and MDD.
- Analysis of clinical evidence, including microglial morphology, reactivity, and cytokine expression in patients.
- Synthesis of research on therapeutic strategies targeting microglial mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Clinical studies show altered microglial morphology, reactivity, and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with ASD, schizophrenia, and MDD.
- Animal models demonstrate that aberrant microglial functions correlate with behaviors associated with these disorders.
- Evidence suggests microglial abnormalities are integral to the pathophysiology of these conditions.
Conclusions:
- Microglial dysfunction is a significant factor in the development and progression of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Microglia represent a promising avenue for novel therapeutic interventions.
- Targeting microglial pathways may offer new treatment strategies for ASD, schizophrenia, and MDD.
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