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Updated: May 20, 2025
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Primary Cultures of Rat Astrocytes and Microglia and Their Use in the Study of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Published on: June 23, 2022
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Microglia in ALS: Insights into Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential
Silvano Bond1,2, Smita Saxena1,2, Julieth A Sierra-Delgado1,2
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
Cells
|March 26, 2025
Summary
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, play a complex role in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Understanding their adaptable functions is key to developing new therapies for this motor neuron disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
Background:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor neuron disease.
- Microglia, resident immune cells in the brain, are increasingly recognized for their role in ALS pathogenesis.
- Microglia exhibit diverse functional states, including disease-associated microglia (DAM) in ALS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent discoveries on the multifaceted behavior of microglia in ALS.
- To highlight the link between microglial states and motor neuron degeneration.
- To discuss emerging therapeutic strategies targeting microglial function in ALS.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of research from rodent models.
- Investigation of patient-derived cells.
- Examination of human postmortem brain tissue.
Main Results:
- Microglia transition into disease-associated microglia (DAM) phenotypes in ALS.
- DAM can drive neuroinflammation and neuronal injury.
- Microglia also exhibit protective roles in certain contexts, indicating adaptability.
Conclusions:
- Microglial function is complex and adaptable in ALS, not simply beneficial or harmful.
- Targeting microglial states offers potential therapeutic avenues for ALS.
- Emerging therapies aim to modulate microglial function to slow ALS progression.
