Microglia in acute brain slices and their influence on neuronal networks
Berki Péter
János Szentágothai Neurosciences Division
Dr. Bereczki Dániel
ELTE Természettudományi Kutató Központ földszinti kis előadó
2026-09-15 13:00:00
Functional neurosciences
Dr. Sperlágh Beáta
Dr. Dénes Ádám, Dr. Gulyás Attila
Dr. Németh Tamás
Dr. Schlett Katalin
Dr. Alpár Alán
Dr. Varró Petra
Dr. Jakus Zoltán
The thesis entitled Microglia in Acute Brain Slices and Their Influence on Neuronal Networks demonstrates that microglia in ex vivo preparations are not in a quiescent state, but actively engage in a dynamic, injury-induced program essential for the functional recovery of the neuronal network. By establishing a comprehensive, time-resolved map of this process, the research provides evidence of a multi-layered purinergic signaling environment where transient ATP gradients drive global, large-scale cell migration, while focal ATP "flash" and "surge" events mediate local surveillance and process motility. The work further shows that this chemotactic response to injury signals is critically mediated by P2Y12R and CX3CR1 pathways. Crucially, the thesis suggests the repositioning of microglia from passive bystanders to essential active players, demonstrating that they actively facilitate the structural reorganization of neuronal circuits through synaptic sprouting after slice preparation. This structural remodeling, coupled with their neuroprotective functions, culminates in the restoration of complex, synchronous network activity, as evidenced by the near-complete absence of sharp wave-ripples (SWRs) in microglia-depleted slices. Ultimately, the findings establish that evolving microglial phenotypes and microglia-neuron interactions must be considered in future ex vivo studies, offering mechanistic insights translatable to in vivo scenarios of acute brain injury, such as stroke and trauma.
