Microglial Autophagy: The Brain’s Clean-Up Crew

Published on October 6, 2022

Microglia, the brain’s vigilant guardians, play a crucial role in maintaining stability and guarding against threats. Just like a clean-up crew, these cells are always on the lookout for any sign of trouble in the central nervous system (CNS). Recent research suggests that a process called autophagy, which helps microglia carry out their immune functions, is closely linked to brain health during both ischemic stroke (caused by blocked blood vessels) and hemorrhagic stroke (caused by bleeding in the brain). In this study, scientists explore how autophagy interacts with other biological processes in microglia under normal conditions and during disease. They also delve into the fascinating connection between microglial metabolism and autophagy. By understanding how microglial autophagy influences cerebrovascular diseases, we can gain valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies to promote brain health.

Microglia are considered core regulators for monitoring homeostasis in the brain and primary responders to central nervous system (CNS) injuries. Autophagy affects the innate immune functions of microglia. Recently some evidence suggests that microglial autophagy is closely associated with brain function in both ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Herein, we will discuss the interaction between autophagy and other biological processes in microglia under physiological and pathological conditions and highlight the interaction between microglial metabolism and autophagy. In the end, we focus on the effect of microglial autophagy in cerebrovascular diseases.

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