Articles tagged with Microglia
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers have found a new target and drug combination that appears to stop the destruction of vision in premature newborns. By blocking ACAT1, an enzyme that converts cholesterol into smaller pieces, scientists can prevent the formation of leaky blood vessels and inflammation in the retina.
A new study at Umeå University reveals that tick-borne encephalitis virus infects distinct brain cell types and regions depending on the immune system's activation status. The researchers mapped the virus's behavior in the brain, identifying specific areas and cells infected by TBE virus.
Researchers at Nagoya University found an alternative route for microglia colonization in the embryonic brain, suggesting a novel approach to combat diseases like fetal brain dysfunction. Macrophages can convert into microglia later in development, providing new insights into microglial plasticity and behavior.
Researchers found that traumatic brain injury suppresses the recycling function of both neurons and immune cells, including microglia and white blood cells. Boosting this process with a drug like rapamycin improves recovery in mice, reducing inflammation and enhancing memory function.
A recent Brazilian study found that the Spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 is implicated in post-COVID-19 memory loss, with researchers identifying TLR4 receptor as a potential therapeutic target. The study involved experiments with mice and showed that infusion of the Spike protein induced delayed memory impairment.
Researchers developed HIV-1-infection models in human microglia cell cultures to investigate the insertion of the HIV-1 genome. They discovered a correlation between a cellular chromatin factor and the sleeping virus phenotype, linking viral integration to topologically associated domains.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have found a way to spur brain immune cells to clear toxic waste linked to Alzheimer’s disease by targeting their metabolism. The study reveals a ‘metabolic switch’ in the brain’s immune cells that can be manipulated to improve their function.
Researchers have found a possible new target for therapies aimed at treating age-related neurological diseases by linking increased presence of immune cells to conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Microglia, specialized immune cells in the brain, can adopt a dysfunctional state that contributes to neurodegenerative diseases.
A study by Washington University School of Medicine suggests targeting T cells to prevent neurodegeneration and treat Alzheimer's disease. The research indicates that microglia partner with T cells to cause brain damage in the disease, and blocking their entry can avoid most neurodegeneration.
Researchers identified microglia as key players in chemo brain inflammation, suggesting a potential target for treatment. In a mouse study, deleting microglia restored memory and lowered brain inflammation after paclitaxel treatment.
Researchers found that gene therapy approach and small molecule treatment can calm the destructive cells of ALS by preserving upper motor neurons. Improving mitochondrial health also reduces astrocyte attack on diseased neurons, offering new hope for treating ALS.
Researchers found that immune cells play a key role in hypertension, weakening blood vessel walls and damaging the blood-brain barrier. Inhibiting inflammatory messengers may be a new therapeutic target for treating hypertension.
Researchers found that platelet depletion increased amyloid plaque size and neuronal damage in APP-PS1 mice. However, platelets may have a beneficial role in limiting plaque growth and attenuating neuritic dystrophy at advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Neuroscientists have found a way to safely insert healthy new immune cells into the brain, vaulting a key hurdle in treating neurodegenerative diseases. By making donor microglia resistant to the drug pexidartinib, they can potentially harness microglia to treat diseases such as Alzheimer's and Krabbe disease.
A team of researchers led by Adrian Oblak and Peter Bor-Chian Lin studied the INPP5D gene, which is associated with microglia-specific immune cells. They found that reducing its expression can mitigate Alzheimer's disease pathology, preserving cognitive function in lab models.
Researchers discovered a modified form of an inflammatory immune protein called complement C3 that is present at higher levels in women's brains with Alzheimer's compared to men's. This finding may explain why women are more likely to develop the disease, as estrogen levels drop during menopause and lose their brain-protective effects.
Researchers found that a gene mutation in mice resulted in increased plaque deposits and larger clumps, suggesting the gene plays a critical role in immune defenses. The study may lead to new therapies targeting this gene mutation to slow progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers identify INPP5D as a key player in the inflammation process contributing to Alzheimer's disease, which may offer new potential targets for therapies. The study found that mice with inactivated INPP5D gene had more plaques covered by microglia, suggesting unexpected results when modulating inflammation genes.
Researchers at Lund University have discovered that activating the TREM2 receptor on microglial cells slows down Alzheimer's disease progression by clearing tau protein aggregates. This innovative approach may lead to a new treatment method for Alzheimer's disease, in addition to reducing beta-amyloid and tau proteins.
Researchers found that excess fat triggers immune cells to overeat serotonin in the brain of developing male mice, leading to depression-like behavior. Female mice are not affected in the same way, with higher levels of oxytocin linked to social withdrawal.
Researchers found that IGF1 gene therapy increases kisspeptin expression and GnRH release, and alters microglial cell numbers, suggesting a potential protective effect against reproductive decline. This could lead to new strategies for optimizing lifespan and combating age-related health problems in women.
Researchers found drastic differences in microglia marker Iba1 and factors influencing Sirt1 levels and activity between elder groups. Preserving microglia and Sirt1 functional efficiency is crucial for longevity.
Recent studies have shed light on the biological mechanisms that connect sleep and anxiety, highlighting the importance of sleep in regulating stress responses. Research has shown that inadequate sleep can lead to increased anxiety and stress, while also exacerbating mental distress.
Germ-free zebrafish larvae have altered neural connections due to reduced microglia pruning by immune cells. Reintroducing normal microbiota restores normal development and social behavior. Microorganisms stimulate microglial activity, promoting neural connection remodeling.
In a study published in Nature Communications, researchers found that astrocytes take over the role of cleaning up dead microglia, which are normally responsible for this task. This process is crucial for maintaining optimal conditions in the nervous system and preventing accumulation of cellular debris.
Researchers identified a kinase molecule that directs microglia activity, potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and MS. The molecule, called spleen tyrosine kinase, targets plaque buildup and debris accumulation in the brain.
Researchers have discovered that neurons with double-stranded breaks (DSBs) in their DNA actively trigger an inflammatory response, which is mediated by the activation of the NFkappaB transcription factor. This process elicits an immune response from microglia, leading to synaptic loss and cognitive function impairment.
The fasting-mimicking diet reduced Alzheimer's pathology in mice, including amyloid beta and tau protein levels, and showed less brain inflammation. Mice on the diet also performed better on cognitive tests, with some showing improved performance comparable to non-Alzheimer's mice.
Researchers at FIU Stempel College are investigating the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) in relation to Alzheimer's disease. They aim to determine if an increase in TSPO levels is harmful and may be a potential target for treatments.
Researchers have discovered that two mouse genes, inherited from ancient viral infections, help defend the brain against new bacterial and viral infections. The genes, Rtl5/6, are carried by all mammals and were preserved in the genome for over 120 million years.
Researchers discovered specialized direct contact sites between microglial cells and developing neurons, regulating brain development. Inhibiting these interactions disrupts normal cerebral cortex structure, highlighting microglia's crucial regulatory role in brain development.
Scientists developed a laser-based zebrafish model to simulate traumatic brain injuries and identify molecular targets for treatment. The model revealed the importance of microglia activation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in brain recovery.
Research by Tohoku University scientists found that contextual fear conditioning alters genes associated with the synapse in microglia, indicating a new mechanism linking microglia and neuronal activity related to fear conditioning. This non-immune communication may play a key role in fear memory consolidation and extinction.
A newly developed agonistic antibody targeting TREM2 reduced amyloid burden and alleviated cognitive decline in mice with Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that increasing TREM2 activation could have therapeutic effects such as improved cognition.
A new study published in Development Cell shows that microglial cells develop in a unique wave-like pattern throughout human brain development. The research, led by Professor Diego Gomez-Nicola, used post-mortem human brain samples to create the largest-ever study on microglial development across the human lifespan.
Researchers successfully developed artificial replicas of GPCRs, allowing for controlled activation and replication of original functionality. The method enables precise modulation of immune cells' responses, holding promise for treating diseases targeted by GPCRs.
Researchers at UC San Francisco have discovered how to shift damaged brain cells from a diseased state into a healthy one using CRISPR technology. The study found that reprogramming microglia cells can help remove protein plaques and protect synapses, potentially treating Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
A new study published in Nature reveals that microglia cells change their molecular state to match neighboring neurons, influencing neural circuit function. The researchers found that different types of cortical neurons recruit specific numbers of microglia, which then adapt to the neuron's environment.
A team of researchers from The Mount Sinai Hospital has made a groundbreaking discovery into the genetic and molecular mechanisms that predispose individuals to Alzheimer's disease. They identified 21 candidate risk genes, including SPI1, which regulates microglia and AD risk.
Microglia that express the APOE4 gene cannot metabolize lipids normally, leading to a buildup of excess lipids that interferes with nearby neurons' ability to communicate. Restoring normal lipid metabolism in microglia may help treat some symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
A new study reveals that air pollution and maternal stress during pregnancy can lead to altered brain development and social behavior in male mice, exhibiting autism-like traits. In contrast, female mice are not affected by these environmental factors.
Timothy Huang has been awarded $2.8 million by the National Institute on Aging to study the SORLA gene and its link to Alzheimer's disease. The project will use human stem cells transplanted into mice to determine how specific mutations impact microglia function.
A multi-site trial found OP-101 to be effective in reducing inflammatory markers and markers of neurological injury, with improved outcomes for patients. The study showed a significant reduction in the composite outcome of mechanical ventilation or death at 30 and 60 days after treatment.
Researchers have discovered that lymphatics, which remove waste from the body, also help seed early brain cells in zebrafish. The study found that precursor cells expressing a specific gene migrate to the brain via lymphatic vessels, highlighting the importance of these vessels in microglia development and brain function.
Studies suggest a link between Fusobacterium nucleatum and Alzheimer's disease, with the bacteria generating systemic inflammation and exacerbating symptoms. Targeting the bacteria could slow periodontal disease progression and potentially slow Alzheimer's progression as well.
In a new study, researchers found that microglia cells are responsible for neuronal death in a mitochondrial disease mouse model. Suppressing these cells with the drug Pexidartinib increased life expectancy and reduced motor problems. Further research is needed to understand the specific process by which microglia attack neurons.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio found that rapamycin causes an increase in beta-amyloid protein plaques in mouse models, contradicting its potential benefits. However, a novel method to decrease plaques was discovered by deleting the Tsc1 gene from microglia, leading to increased Trem2 levels and decreased plaques.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have successfully repurposed a cancer drug to target neuroinflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis. A novel drug carrier was developed to deliver the treatment specifically to microglia, reducing inflammation and disease progression.
A study by Kyushu University researchers has analyzed the development and genetic profile of a set of cells that construct the brain's immune system. The findings reveal that meningeal macrophages develop in the same way as other microglia, but perivascular macrophages originate from meningeal macrophages after birth.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that a protein called STING responds to clean-up signals in brain cells damaged by Parkinson’s disease by creating a cycle of inflammation that accelerates the disease’s progression. In mice with deactivated STING proteins, there was less microglial activity and brain cell death.
A new study suggests that supplementing a diet with Ascidiacea, also known as sea squirts, reverses some main signs of aging in animal models. The researchers found that plasmalogens, vital to body processes, decrease with age and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A new study in mice suggests that forcing the turnover of specific immune cells called microglia can reverse cognitive and behavior problems associated with concussions. The findings provide a potential pathway for developing post-concussion therapies to ward off long-term mental health issues.
A new study found that microglia regulate neuronal subtypes differently in response to bacteria, affecting intrinsic excitability. Pyramidal cells exhibited lower excitability, while Purkinje cells showed higher excitability when modulated by microglia.
Inhibiting a key signaling pathway in brain-resident immune cells may calm brain inflammation and slow Alzheimer's disease. The NF-κB pathway's activation triggers inflammatory activation of microglia, leading to tau tangle formation and spread.
A UCI-led study has found that early life adversity can lead to microglia dysfunction, resulting in abnormal stress responses later in life. The researchers discovered that microglial pruning of excitatory synapses during brain development is crucial for refining functional circuits and preventing aberrant stress responses.
A UCI-led study reveals how a TREM2 gene mutation in brain microglia immune cells can increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The research found that blocking excess calcium accumulation may be an effective way to modulate microglia behavior and fight the disease.
A study found that microglia's TREM2 receptor is activated up to two decades before Alzheimer's symptoms appear in individuals with a genetic predisposition. This activation may slow cognitive decline and pathological brain changes. The research suggests modulating microglial activity could be a promising therapeutic strategy.
A study found that intact astrocyte networks are essential for neural homeostasis, synaptic plasticity, and spatial cognitive abilities in adult mice. Disrupting these networks impairs spatial learning and memory due to altered neuronal excitability and compromised synaptic transmission.
In a breakthrough discovery, microglia have been found to play a crucial role in forming critical synapses in the brain, particularly in chandelier cells. This finding suggests that immune cells may not only remove unwanted connections but also nurture their formation, which is essential for cognitive functioning.
Researchers found that modulating immune cell activity via TREM2 receptor may impact neurodegenerative disease processes. Hyperactive microglia were shown to retain certain neuroprotective functions, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach.