Topic: Microglia-neuron interactions

Acute brain slices represent a “workhorse” model for studying the central nervous system (CNS) from nanoscale events to complex circuits. While slice preparation inherently involves tissue damage, it is unclear how microglia, the main immune cells and damage sensors of the CNS react to this injury and shape neuronal activity ex vivo. To this end, we investigated microglial phenotypes and contribution to network organisation and functioning in acute brain slices. The comprehensive assesment of microglial states in acute brain slices demonstrated time-dependent microglial phenotype changes that

Microglia are phagocytes responsible for the homeostasis and immune responses in the central nervous system (CNS). Peripheral nerve injury (axotomy) models have greatly contributed to our understanding of microglial response to neurodegeneration. Here we established the first avulsion axotomy model in zebrafish. Using in vivo confocal imaging we have characterized the long-term dynamics of microglia-neuron interactions in response to peripheral nerve injury.In vivo time-lapse imaging confirmed that peripheral nerve injury triggered a microglial response in the CNS. This response was characteri