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Updated: May 29, 2025
Author Spotlight: In Vitro Co-Culture Model for Studying Microglia-Neuronal Interactions in Disease Conditions
Published on: July 26, 2024
Circadian rhythm, microglia-mediated neuroinflammation, and Alzheimer's disease
Fan Geng1, Na Zhao1, Qingguo Ren1
1Department of Neurology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
Abstract:
Microglia, the brain's resident macrophages, are key mediators of neuroinflammation, responding to immune pathogens and toxins. They play a crucial role in clearing cellular debris, regulating synaptic plasticity, and phagocytosing amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent studies indicate that microglia not only exhibit intrinsic circadian rhythms but are also regulated by circadian clock genes, influencing specific functions such as phagocytosis and the modulation of neuroinflammation. Disruption of the circadian rhythm is closely associated with AD pathology. In this review, we will provide an overview of how circadian rhythms regulate microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in the progression of AD, focusing on the pathway from the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral immune system. We also discuss potential therapeutic targets, including hormone modulation, lifestyle interventions, and anti-inflammatory therapies, aimed at maintaining brain health in AD. This will shed light on the involvement of circadian rhythm in AD and explore new avenues for AD treatment.
Insights
Circadian rhythms regulate microglia, the brain's immune cells, impacting Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Understanding this link offers new therapeutic targets for maintaining brain health in AD patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Chronobiology
Background:
- Microglia are key immune cells in the brain, mediating neuroinflammation and clearing amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Microglia possess intrinsic circadian rhythms and are influenced by clock genes, affecting functions like phagocytosis and neuroinflammation.
- Disruptions in circadian rhythms are strongly linked to AD pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how circadian rhythms regulate microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- To explore the pathways from the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral immune system involved in this regulation.
- To discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting circadian rhythm for AD treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on circadian rhythms, microglia function, and Alzheimer's disease.
- Analysis of studies investigating the interplay between circadian clock genes and microglial responses.
- Synthesis of information on CNS and peripheral immune system pathways.
Main Results:
- Circadian rhythms significantly influence microglial functions, including phagocytosis and inflammatory responses, which are critical in AD.
- Disrupted circadian rhythms exacerbate neuroinflammation and AD pathology.
- Both central and peripheral circadian signals impact microglia in the context of AD.
Conclusions:
- Circadian rhythm regulation of microglia is a critical factor in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis.
- Targeting circadian rhythms presents a promising therapeutic avenue for AD.
- Interventions like hormone modulation, lifestyle changes, and anti-inflammatory therapies may help maintain brain health by synchronizing circadian rhythms and optimizing microglial function.
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