Role of Microglia in Modulating Adult Neurogenesis in Health and Neurodegeneration

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Mohammed Al-Onaizi¹  Ayman ElAli²  Alaa Al-Khalifah³  Dalal Qasem⁴ 

[1] Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, PO Box 24923, Kuwait City 13110, Kuwait;Neuroscience Axis, Research Center of CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada;Undergraduate Dental Program, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City 13110, Kuwait;Undergraduate Medical Program, Faculty of Dentistry, Kuwait University, Kuwait City 13110, Kuwait;

关键词: microglia;    neurogenesis;    neurodegeneration;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijms21186875

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Microglia are the resident immune cells of the brain, constituting the powerhouse of brain innate immunity. They originate from hematopoietic precursors that infiltrate the developing brain during different stages of embryogenesis, acquiring a phenotype characterized by the presence of dense ramifications. Microglial cells play key roles in maintaining brain homeostasis and regulating brain immune responses. They continuously scan and sense the brain environment to detect any occurring changes. Upon detection of a signal related to physiological or pathological processes, the cells are activated and transform to an amoeboid-like phenotype, mounting adequate responses that range from phagocytosis to secretion of inflammatory and trophic factors. The overwhelming evidence suggests that microglia are crucially implicated in influencing neuronal proliferation and differentiation, as well as synaptic connections, and thereby cognitive and behavioral functions. Here, we review the role of microglia in adult neurogenesis under physiological conditions, and how this role is affected in neurodegenerative diseases.

【 授权许可】

Unknown