Articles tagged with Microglia
A team of scientists has found the gene expression signatures underlying microglia associated with amyloid plaque phagocytosis. The findings suggest a new target for interventions to address the underlying disease mechanism of Alzheimer's Disease.
Researchers discovered that phosphorylation of MECP2 protein decreases in brain cells as Alzheimer's disease progresses, while abolishing this phosphorylation enhances neuronal viability and gene expression. The study suggests that modifications of MECP2 could be a therapeutic target for developing specific therapies against AD.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School found that controlling cholesterol in microglia can alleviate chronic pain, a common side effect of chemotherapy. They developed a novel therapeutic approach using a modified version of apoA-I binding protein to reverse the harmful effects of excessive cholesterol.
Researchers found that treating mice with experimental Alzheimer's drugs paired with a treatment to improve brain drainage reduced amyloid deposits more effectively than the anti-amyloid drugs alone.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota identified a new drug target for glioblastoma patients who defy conventional wisdom by surviving beyond expectations. Glioblastoma cells subvert immune system cells called microglia and macrophages, leading to tumor growth.
A new study found no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in COVID-19 patients' brains, despite significant pathological changes and neurological effects. Inflammation triggered by the virus may cause damage to the brain's blood vessels and lead to 'brain fog' in mild cases.
Researchers find that microglia promote the formation of dense-core plaques as part of a defense mechanism, clearing debris from neurons and potentially causing cell death. This discovery suggests that treatments targeting these protective plaques may be more effective than destroying them.
A study by Scripps Research Institute found that experimental antibody therapies for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's may cause brain inflammation, potentially eroding their positive effects. The researchers used human brain cells to examine this effect, which was not seen in mouse studies.
Researchers discovered that Niemann-Pick type C disease is associated with neuroinflammation and impaired intracellular lipid transport, leading to the accumulation of lipids in the brain. The findings suggest a potential new approach for monitoring disease progression and response to therapy.
Chronic increases in interleukin (IL)-17A levels in mouse blood reduce microglia activity in the hippocampus, a region crucial for learning and memory. Despite this effect on cognition, spatial memory remains unaffected in mutant mice.
Research reveals microglia's essential role in refining auditory pathways, even when pruning is delayed. Without microglia, connections between neurons don't fully mature, leading to impaired hearing.
Elvira Mass has made a significant contribution to understanding the role of yolk sac-derived macrophages in maintaining healthy organs. Her research found that these cells can self-maintain for a lifetime, producing bioactive molecules and growth factors essential for tissue development.
Research suggests that immune cells in the brain, microglia, contribute to negative mood experienced during inflammation and neurological diseases. Activating these cells can elicit a negative affective state in mice, highlighting their potential link to depression.
Researchers found that maternal immune activation induces sustained changes in fetal microglia motility, contributing to developmental disorders and schizophrenia. Microglial process motility changes remained after birth and were linked to social behavior deficits characteristic of autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers found that microglial surveillance helps maintain normal neuronal activity levels by preventing overactive neurons. This discovery opens new avenues for treating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and autism.
Research from the University of Eastern Finland explores the role of diabetes in cellular and molecular changes underlying Alzheimer's disease. Diabetes was found to weaken the accumulation of microglial cells around amyloid plaques and increase the formation of neuritic plaques with prominent tau pathology.
A new study reveals that astrocytes can remove cellular debris from the brain when microglia are impaired. This finding could lead to new therapies accelerating debris clearance and reducing neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study reveals that microglia, immune cells in the brain, regulate behavioral responses by sensing neuronal activation and providing negative feedback. This novel mechanism of neuromodulation has implications for treating neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases.
A new study found that the PLCG2-P522R genetic variant protects against Alzheimer's disease by enhancing immune cell functions, including phagocytic activity and immune response. The results highlight the importance of targeting this pathway for future therapy development.
PRMT1 controls tissue development and lifespan, as well as stress responses in non-neuronal cells. In neonatal mice lacking PRMT1, severe inflammation is observed, including increased astrogliosis and microglia numbers.
Researchers found that microglia direct neurons to modify their connectivity in response to visual stimuli, shaping the brain's neural circuits. This discovery sheds light on how sensory experience influences brain maturation and may have implications for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.
Researchers at Rutgers University are exploring the link between uncontrolled inflammation and microglial cells in the brain, aiming to develop new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. The team is designing nanomedicines that can target microglia to tamp down inflammation and protect neurons.
Researchers at UVA Health System discovered that many microglial cells originate from blood monocytes, which transform into troops to defend the brain after infant strokes. This finding sheds light on the development of brain's immune defenses and has implications for understanding newborn brain injury.
Researchers developed three techniques to replace malfunctioning microglia, with varying efficiencies and donor sources. The techniques offer promise for treating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, ALS, and Parkinson's.
Scientists have identified new points to calm frenzied energy production in the retina, enabling recovery. The excessive byproducts of glycolysis initiate a vicious loop of crosstalk between endothelial cells and microglia, promoting inflammation and dysfunctional blood vessels.
Researchers at UVA School of Medicine discovered that brain defenders called microglia release a unique immune molecule to control the parasite in the brain, preventing symptomatic toxoplasmosis. This finding has implications for brain infections, neurodegenerative diseases and autoimmune disorders.
Researchers discovered brain-resident immune cells that play a crucial role in normal brain development and are essential for the regulation of brain functions. The findings suggest a connection between gut bacteria, white blood cells, and neurological diseases.
Researchers at CU School of Medicine identified microglia's essential role in regulating myelination, a process forming connections between neurons and glial cells. This finding may lead to improved understanding of potential causes for neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases.
Scientists have identified a role for microglia in clearing the extracellular matrix, allowing new synapses to form and improving memory. Disrupting this process can lead to memory problems, including those seen in Alzheimer's and anxiety disorders.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered a link between defective immune cells and rare childhood brain disorders, such as leukodystrophies. These diseases cause severe physical and mental disabilities in children, with limited treatment options available.
A new study suggests that impairments in microglia play a key role in the development of autism behaviors in some cases. The researchers found that protein overproduction in microglial cells leads to impaired synapse-pruning function, resulting in ASD-like social behavior deficits, primarily in males.
Researchers created a laboratory model of three types of brain cells to study HIV's impact on the central nervous system. The model revealed that HIV infection can take a toll on the brain, causing inflammation and damage. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can reduce inflammation by around 70%, but also triggers its own unique response.
Researchers discovered that an immune reaction in the brain adds fuel to the fire of inflammation, leading to the development of Alzheimer's disease. The microglia cells' activation of inflammasomes makes degradation of Aß proteins more difficult, creating a devastating process.
A study reveals that Alzheimer risk genes are linked to microglia's response to amyloid-beta, a key protein in the disease. The researchers identified 11 new risk genes that are upregulated when facing increased amyloid-beta levels.
Scientists have identified a specific antibody that binds to brain immune cells and triggers processes that enhance microglia activity. This stimulates the immune cells to detect and degrade abnormal protein deposits, known as plaques, more effectively, potentially providing better protection against Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found a polymorphism associated with protective effects against major depressive disorder in women. Microglial cells' immune receptors may play a role in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Researchers found that rejuvenating immune cells, specifically microglia, significantly improved brain repair and learning abilities in animal models. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that microglia drive inflammation after brain injuries.
Visceral fat generates high levels of interleukin-1 beta, over-activating microglia and promoting chronic inflammation. This leads to impaired cognitive function, including difficulties with navigation and learning and memory.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that microglia can both protect and damage the blood-brain barrier, depending on the level of systemic inflammation. The researchers used fluorescent labeling and two-photon imaging to study the interactions between microglia and the blood-brain barrier.
A preclinical study suggests that targeting overactive immune cells in the brain can limit brain cell loss and reverse cognitive and motor difficulties caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI). Mice treated with an experimental drug recovered markedly better than control mice, showing less tissue loss and improved motor and cognitive per...
New preclinical research suggests that targeting overactive immune cells can improve traumatic brain injury recovery and modulate chronic neurotoxic effects. The study found that a therapeutic strategy to inhibit microglia cells after TBI led to better motor and cognitive performance in mice.
Researchers at RMIT University found that microglia cells can be activated to boost memory performance in rats by up to 50%, reversing damage caused by neuroinflammation. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for cognitive decline and dementia.
A recent study has shown that microglia regulate forgetting in the adult brain by weakening and eliminating synapses connecting engram neurons. Inhibiting microglial activity or depleting them prevents forgetting, while intact microglia facilitate the dissociation of engram cells, leading to memory erasure.
Researchers found that microglia, immune cells in the brain and central nervous system, encase macrophages, preventing them from dispersing into areas they shouldn't be. This discovery may lead to new treatments for conditions like multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School have developed a gene therapy approach that protects synaptic connections in the brain from damage in multiple sclerosis models. The study suggests that therapies targeting specific circuits of the brain could be effective in preserving vision and preventing neurodegenerative symptoms.
Researchers found that radiation triggers an immune response that severs connections between nerve cells, leading to damage and cognitive problems. The study suggests two potential approaches to prevent this damage: blocking a receptor responsible for synapse removal or tamping down the brain's immune response.
A study by University of Alberta chemists identifies CD33 protein as a factor that may decrease the likelihood of Alzheimer's disease. The most common type of CD33 protein plays a crucial role in modulating microglia function, which can protect against neurodegenerative plaques.
A team of international researchers has identified a potential treatment for reducing brain injury in premature babies by targeting hyperactive microglia with a drug that activates the Wnt signalling pathway. This approach may help protect white matter and prevent long-term memory problems associated with preterm birth.
Researchers found a correlation between dysfunctional microglia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) behaviors in mice. Female sex hormones exacerbated symptoms, indicating a potential genetic link to anxiety disorders.
Research in animals shows that chronic stress during pregnancy triggers an immune response in the brain, leading to potential changes in brain functions. The study found that stressed rats showed evidence of neuroinflammation and increased activity levels of microglia, suggesting a link between gestational stress and postpartum depress...
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the role of microglia in neuroinflammation, a hallmark of degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease. Studies show that changes in microglial cells can trigger hyperexcitability in the brain, leading to decreased sociability and motivation.
New research reveals that immune cells called microglia are active during sleep, rewiring brain connections and repairing damage. Microglia's interaction with neurotransmitters like norepinephrine regulates their activity, suggesting a link between sleep and brain health.
A recent study has identified a key regulator of microglia function during inflammation, which could become a significant component in treating neurodegenerative diseases. TET2 protein modulates the immune response generated by microglia cells in the brain under inflammatory conditions.
A new study found that brain immune cells called microglia drive brain damage in Alzheimer's patients. Eliminating these cells reduces tau-linked brain damage, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
A study published in the journal Aging Cell found that a lifelong dietary regimen of choline can improve spatial memory and reduce AD-like symptoms in female mice. Choline supplementation also reduces microglia activation, offering protection from brain inflammation and neuronal death.
A new study reveals that APOE4, the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, impairs the function of human brain immune cells, microglia. This impairment increases inflammation and reduces their ability to remove toxic amyloid from the brain.
Researchers discovered LH dipeptide as a potent anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits the secretion of inflammatory cytokines from microglia, reducing brain inflammation and depression symptoms. Consuming foods rich in LH dipeptide may be a safe method for maintaining good mental health.
A recent Yale study found that high-fat diets stimulate hypothalamic inflammation, leading to changes in microglial cells and regulating energy homeostasis. The research suggests a neurological mechanism controlling food intake, with potential implications for obesity and diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers discovered that higher levels of TREM2 protein in cerebrospinal fluid are associated with improved prognosis and reduced cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. The study suggests that TREM2 may play a key role in regulating the brain's protective immune response, offering new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers discovered that removing brain immune cells called microglia prevents beta-amyloid plaque formation in rodent models of Alzheimer's. This finding suggests a crucial role for microglia in the disease's development and progression.