What microglia depletion approaches tell us about the role of microglia on synaptic function and behavior.

ABSTRACT: Microglia are dynamic cells, constantly surveying their surroundings and interacting with neurons and synapses. Indeed, a wealth of knowledge has revealed a critical role of microglia in modulating synaptic transmission and plasticity in the developing brain. In the past decade, novel pharmacological and genetic strategies have allowed the acute removal of microglia, opening the possibility to explore and understand the role of microglia also in the adult brain. In this review, we summarized and discussed the contribution of microglia depletion strategies to the current understanding of the role of microglia on synaptic function, learning and memory, and behavior both in physiological and pathological conditions. We first described the available microglia depletion methods highlighting the

SUBMITTER: Basilico B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9673171 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature