Microglia: The Neural Cells of Nonneural Origin

Methods in Molecular Biology
Olga Garaschuk, Alexei Verkhratsky

Abstract

Microglia are neural cells of nonneural origin; they originate from fetal macrophages that invade neural tube early in embryogenesis and undergo the most idiosyncratic metamorphosis which coverts them into elements of neural circuitry. Microglia appeared early in evolution with neural immune cells being operative in leeches and mollusks. Microglial cells acquire specific morphology characterized by small cell bodies and long motile processes which are packed with receptors sensing both physiological and pathological stimuli. Microglial cells actively sculpture neuronal networks through synaptic stripping and phagocytosis of redundant neurons; microglia also secrete neuroactive factors regulating synaptic transmission. Novel techniques emerging in recent decade allowed an in-depth understanding of physiological and pathophysiological functions of microglia.

Citations

Jan 19, 2021·Neurochemistry International·Alexei VerkhratskyJunya Tanaka
Feb 2, 2021·Frontiers in Pharmacology·Si-Si LinAlexei Verkhratsky
Aug 7, 2021·Biology Direct·Marcus Augusto-Oliveira, Alexei Verkhratsky
Sep 23, 2021·Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society·Marcus Augusto-OliveiraAlexei Verkhratsky

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