Microglia target synaptic sites early during excitatory circuit disassembly in neurodegeneration.

ABSTRACT: During development, microglia prune excess synapses to refine neuronal circuits. In neurodegeneration, understanding the role of microglia-mediated synaptic pruning in circuit remodeling and dysfunction is important for developing therapies aimed at modulating microglial function. Here, we analyzed microglia-mediated synapse disassembly of degenerating postsynaptic neurons in the inner retina. After inducing transient intraocular pressure elevation to injure retinal ganglion cells, microglia increase in number, shift to hyper-ramified morphology, and exhibit greater process movement. Furthermore, due to the greater number of microglia, there is increased colocalization of microglia with synaptic components throughout the inner plexiform layer and with excitatory synaptic sites along indivi

SUBMITTER: Yu A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11984620 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature