Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2018, Vol. 13 ›› Issue (2): 222-223.doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.226386

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Microglial dynamics during brain development

Tomomi Okajima1, Fuminori Tsuruta1, 2, 3   

  1. 1 Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan;
    2 PhD Program in Human Biology, School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan;
    3 Life Science Center of Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
  • Received:2018-01-24 Online:2018-02-15 Published:2018-02-15
  • Contact: Fuminori Tsuruta, Ph.D.,tsuruta.fuminori.fn@u.tsukuba.ac.jp.

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Abstract:

Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS). In the normal state, microglia have a ramified shape and continuously survey the conditions of the brain. In response to various stimuli, some microglia change to an amoeboid shape. This type of microglia is motile and produces several secretory proteins, including inflammatory cytokines and neurotrophic factors, which regulate brain homeostasis. Microglial morphology also changes a great deal in concert with environmental factors during brain development, and related to microglial migration and proliferation, which contribute to the establishment of precise synaptic connectivity and neural circuits.In this review, we focus on the fundamental concepts of microglial fate during brain development, and discuss whether the molecular mechanisms that control microglial morphology are linked to microglial functions.