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A novel microglial subset plays a key role in myelinogenesis in developing brain
Author(s) -
Wlodarczyk Agnieszka,
Holtman Inge R,
Krueger Martin,
Yogev Nir,
Bruttger Julia,
Khorooshi Reza,
BenmamarBadel Anouk,
BoerBergsma Jelkje J,
Martin Nellie A,
Karram Khalad,
Kramer Isabella,
Boddeke Erik WGM,
Waisman Ari,
Eggen Bart JL,
Owens Trevor
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the embo journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 7.484
H-Index - 392
eISSN - 1460-2075
pISSN - 0261-4189
DOI - 10.15252/embj.201696056
Subject(s) - microglia , neuroinflammation , biology , neurogenesis , neuroscience , myelinogenesis , phenotype , central nervous system , immunology , inflammation , oligodendrocyte , myelin , gene , genetics
Microglia are resident macrophages of the central nervous system that contribute to homeostasis and neuroinflammation. Although known to play an important role in brain development, their exact function has not been fully described. Here, we show that in contrast to healthy adult and inflammation‐activated cells, neonatal microglia show a unique myelinogenic and neurogenic phenotype. A CD 11c + microglial subset that predominates in primary myelinating areas of the developing brain expresses genes for neuronal and glial survival, migration, and differentiation. These cells are the major source of insulin‐like growth factor 1, and its selective depletion from CD 11c + microglia leads to impairment of primary myelination. CD 11c‐targeted toxin regimens induced a selective transcriptional response in neonates, distinct from adult microglia. CD 11c + microglia are also found in clusters of repopulating microglia after experimental ablation and in neuroinflammation in adult mice, but despite some similarities, they do not recapitulate neonatal microglial characteristics. We therefore identify a unique phenotype of neonatal microglia that deliver signals necessary for myelination and neurogenesis.