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Microglia as neuroprotective, immunocompetent cells of the CNS
Author(s) -
Streit Wolfgang J.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
glia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.954
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1098-1136
pISSN - 0894-1491
DOI - 10.1002/glia.10154
Subject(s) - microglia , neuroprotection , neuroscience , biology , pathogenesis , epigenetics , senescence , epigenesis , disease , neuroglia , function (biology) , immunology , central nervous system , inflammation , gene , genetics , pathology , medicine , dna methylation , gene expression
The role of glial cells is to support and sustain proper neuronal function and microglia are no exception to this. This viewpoint article emphasizes the fundamental interdependence of microglia and neurons and takes a look at the possibility of what could happen if microglial cells became dysfunctional as a result of aging, genetics, or epigenetics. Could microglial senescence be a factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases? The cautious answer to that question is ‘yes’. Future studies along these lines may provide novel insights into microglial involvement in neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis. GLIA 40:133–139, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.