Microglial G.sub.i-dependent dynamics regulate brain network hyperexcitability

• Published in: Nature neuroscience Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 19 - 23
• Main Authors: Merlini, Mario, Rafalski, Victoria A, Ma, Keran, Kim, Keun-Young, Bushong, Eric A, Rios Coronado, Pamela E, Yan, Zhaoqi, Mendiola, Andrew S, Sozmen, Elif G, Ryu, Jae Kyu, Haberl, Matthias G, Sampson, Daniel Naranjo, Petersen, Mark A, Bardehle, Sophia, Tognatta, Reshmi, Dean, Terry, Jr, Acevedo, Rosa Meza, Cabriga, Belinda, Thomas, Reuben, Coughlin, Shaun R, Ellisman, Mark H, Palop, Jorge J, Akassoglou, Katerina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nature Publishing Group 01.01.2021
• Subjects: Brain diseases; Development and progression; Health aspects; Neural circuitry; Physiological aspects; Seizures (Medicine); United States
• DOI: 10.1038/s41593-020-00756-7
• ISSN: 1097-6256

Microglial surveillance is a key feature of brain physiology and disease. Here, we found that G.sub.i-dependent microglial dynamics prevent neuronal network hyperexcitability. By generating Mg.sup.PTX mice to genetically inhibit G.sub.i in microglia, we show that sustained reduction of microglia brain surveillance and directed process motility induced spontaneous seizures and increased hypersynchrony after physiologically evoked neuronal activity in awake adult mice. Thus, G.sub.i-dependent microglia dynamics may prevent hyperexcitability in neurological diseases.