Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System

Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System

The limbic system, often called the "emotional brain," is a complex set of structures located deep within the brain. The intricate network of the limbic system supports a wide range of psychological functions, from emotional regulation to memory formation and sensory processing. This functional brain region encompasses specific parts of the diencephalon and the cerebrum, integrating the higher mental functions of the cerebral cortex with the primitive emotional responses of the deep...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

A cell type-specific mechanism driving the rapid antidepressant effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Cell·2026

Same author

The prefrontal cortex controls memory organization in the hippocampus.

Nature neuroscience·2026

Same author

Dynamic changes in mitochondria support phenotypic flexibility of microglia.

Nature communications·2025

Same author

Midbrain extracellular matrix and microglia are associated with cognition in aging mice.

Nature communications·2025

Same author

Long-Term Memory Engrams From Development to Adulthood.

Hippocampus·2025

Same author

Prefrontal cortex development and its implications in mental illness.

Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology·2025

Same journal

Somatosensory cortex shapes perceptual decision bias via the superior colliculus.

Research square·2026

Same journal

Combinatorial Targeting of Avapritinib-Driven MAP Kinase Activation in High-Grade Glioma.

Research square·2026

Same journal

Supporting Implementation of the National Standards for Cancer Survivorship Care: Development of the Cancer Survivorship Maturity Model (CSMM).

Research square·2026

Same journal

Operationalizing a walking exercise prescription based on 6-minute walk test results.

Research square·2026

Same journal

Age but not sex modifies lymphoid immune responses in murine sepsis.

Research square·2026

Same journal

Indirect effect, through aspects of neighborhood affluence and racial/ethnic composition, of receiving a Section 8 voucher on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among boys and girls in the Moving to Opportunity study.

Research square·2026

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2025

Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates

Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates

Published on: January 30, 2014

Microglia regulate nucleus accumbens synaptic development and circuit function underlying threat avoidance behaviors.

Michael W Gongwer^1,2,3, Fanny Etienne¹, Eric N Moca¹

¹Department of Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Research Square

|February 20, 2025

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Microglia are crucial for synapse development in the brain's nucleus accumbens. Their absence impairs excitatory synapse formation, impacting emotional regulation and behavior later in life.

More Related Videos

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility

Published on: April 13, 2017

Culturing Microglia from the Neonatal and Adult Central Nervous System

Culturing Microglia from the Neonatal and Adult Central Nervous System

Published on: August 9, 2013

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 27, 2025

Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates

Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates

Published on: January 30, 2014

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility

Published on: April 13, 2017

Culturing Microglia from the Neonatal and Adult Central Nervous System

Culturing Microglia from the Neonatal and Adult Central Nervous System

Published on: August 9, 2013

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Developmental Biology
Cell Biology

Background:

Central nervous system (CNS) microglia are known for synapse pruning during neurodevelopment.
Limited research exists on microglial roles in synapse formation, particularly in brain regions beyond the cortex.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the impact of microglial absence on synaptic development in the nucleus accumbens (NAc).
To understand the role of microglia in early NAc development and its implications for psychiatric disorders.

Main Methods:

Utilized a genetically modified mouse model lacking microglia (Csf1rΔFIRE/ΔFIRE).
Analyzed excitatory synapse formation, electrophysiology, and NAc proteomics.
Assessed threat avoidance behavior and NAc neuronal activity.

Main Results:

Absence of microglia led to blunted excitatory synapse formation in the NAc, most prominent in early postnatal weeks.
Observed increased presynaptic release probability and altered postsynaptic kinetics.
Proteomics revealed impacts on synapse structure and signaling proteins; astrocyte-derived cues remained unaffected.
Despite normalization of synaptic changes by adulthood, lasting behavioral deficits in threat avoidance were noted, linked to altered NAc neuronal activity.

Conclusions:

Microglia play a critical role in shaping the developing NAc synaptic landscape.
Microglial-derived factors are essential for proper synapse formation in the NAc.
Early microglial function influences the establishment of adult behavioral circuits and neuronal activity.