Microglia: new roles for the synaptic stripper

Item Type:	Review
Title:	Microglia: new roles for the synaptic stripper
Creators Name:	Kettenmann, H. and Kirchhoff, F. and Verkhratsky, A.
Abstract:	Any pathologic event in the brain leads to the activation of microglia, the immunocompetent cells of the central nervous system. In recent decades diverse molecular pathways have been identified by which microglial activation is controlled and by which the activated microglia affects neurons. In the normal brain microglia were considered "resting," but it has recently become evident that they constantly scan the brain environment and contact synapses. Activated microglia can remove damaged cells as well as dysfunctional synapses, a process termed "synaptic stripping." Here we summarize evidence that molecular pathways characterized in pathology are also utilized by microglia in the normal and developing brain to influence synaptic development and connectivity, and therefore should become targets of future research. Microglial dysfunction results in behavioral deficits, indicating that microglia are essential for proper brain function. This defines a new role for microglia beyond being a mere pathologic sensor.
Keywords:	Brain, Cell Communication, Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials, Microglia, Neurogenesis, Neurons, Synapses, Animals
Source:	Neuron
ISSN:	0896-6273
Publisher:	Cell Press
Volume:	77
Number:	1
Page Range:	10-18
Date:	9 January 2013
Official Publication:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2012.12.023
PubMed:	View item in PubMed

Repository Staff Only: item control page