MOLECULAR ANATOMY OF MICROGLIA-NEURON INTERACTIONS
Máté-Schwarcz Dóra Anett
János Szentágothai Neurosciences
Dr. Bereczki Dániel
MTA KOKI előadóterem
2025-06-27 14:00:00
Neuromorphology and cell biology
Dr. Alpár Alán
Dr.Cserép Csaba Dr. Dénes Ádám
Dr. Várnainé Tóth Zsuzsanna
Dr. Tóth Kinga
Dr. Alpár Alán
Dr. Dávid Csaba
Dr. Kardos József
Microglial cells, as indispensable immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the nervous system throughout life. Microglia interact dynamically and multifacetedly with almost every cell type in the brain, contributing to the regulation of CNS physiological function and providing protection against pathological insults. During development, microglia are among the first cells to appear in the CNS, regulating neuronal proliferation and migration, thereby shaping the proper cortical cytoarchitecture through somatic purinergic connections with immature neurons. This direct interaction, characterized by a highly specific ultrastructure, serves as a key mechanism of communication between microglia and developing neurons, enabling the monitoring and regulation of neuronal states while influencing mitochondrial function and metabolism.
With ageing, a decline in microglial functions becomes apparent, including reduced motility, impaired phagocytic activity, and increased baseline inflammation. This deterioration undermines the maintenance of neuronal homeostasis and contributes to cognitive decline as well as an elevated risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Ageing disrupts the delicate balance of cell distribution and interactions, shedding light on broader processes associated with ageing. As age advances, a marked decrease in the frequency of somatic interactions occurs, coinciding with an increased neuronal need for support. To counterbalance this, an increase in microglial coverage of neuronal soma surfaces is observed, which supports neuronal health—an effect whose significance has been confirmed in conditions like stroke and infectious pathologies.
The central role of microglia in both developmental and ageing processes highlights the importance of supporting microglial functions. A deeper understanding of microglial interactions and regulatory mechanisms paves the way for innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing neuroprotection, preserving CNS integrity, and addressing the growing burden of neurodegenerative diseases.
