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Dual functions of microglia in the formation and refinement of neural circuits during development
Author(s) -
Konishi Hiroyuki,
Kiyama Hiroshi,
Ueno Masaki
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
international journal of developmental neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.761
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1873-474X
pISSN - 0736-5748
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2018.09.009
Subject(s) - microglia , neuroscience , neurogenesis , biological neural network , neural development , brain development , synapse , central nervous system , biology , dual role , chemistry , immunology , inflammation , gene , biochemistry , combinatorial chemistry
Microglia colonize the central nervous system (CNS) parenchyma during embryogenesis and contribute to various developmental processes leading to the formation of refined neural circuits. In this review, we focus on the bidirectional function of microglia during normal CNS development and discuss recent perspectives on the functions of microglia in neural circuit formation. Microglia participate in neurogenesis, migration, axonal growth, and synapse formation and remodeling, all of which are fundamental for the establishment of neural networks, by secreting a variety of molecules toward neurons and phagocytosing both live and dying neurons or their debris. Intriguingly, microglia play dual roles in each of the neurodevelopmental processes that they affect. For instance, microglia modulate synapse numbers by both promoting the formation of new synapses and eliminating unnecessary synapses. The study of the developmental roles of microglia is essential not only for understanding normal CNS development but also for preventing developmental brain disorders caused by microglial dysfunction.