Speaker : Morgane THION, College de France
"Microglia in the developing brain: from colonization to functions"
Microglia, the brain resident macrophages, are multifaceted cells that belong to the glial and immune systems. Beyond their role in immune defense, they are key actors of brain development, function, and homeostasis. Originating outside the central nervous system from yolk sac myeloid progenitors, microglia colonize the brain during early embryogenesis following a highly stereotypical spatiotemporal pattern. Along their brain colonization, they exhibit a remarkable cellular and transcriptional heterogeneity throughout development. Furthermore, by sensing a wide variety of local and systemic signals, microglia are positioned at a key interface between the brain and the environment.
Our recent work explored how microglia develop and interact with their local environment during prenatal and early postnatal life. We specifically investigated the mechanisms guiding their colonization of the developing forebrain, focusing on how local and cell-type specific signals influence their distribution and proliferation. We also found that microglia impact key processes essential for proper brain development, highlighting their early and multifaceted roles in neural development. Altogether, our work reveals mechanisms orchestrating microglial colonization in the developing brain and sheds light on their key contribution to early brain development.
Hosted by Isabelle LE ROUX
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Conference location
Please join the conference in Paris Brain Institute auditorium.