A growing body of research suggests that microglia, traditionally known as the brain's clean-up crew, may have other important functions in the brain. They may help prune synapses, the connections between neurons, and postmortem studies suggest they are altered in the brains of people with autism. Below are a collection of articles highlighting the latest research on microglia’s link to autism spectrum disorders.
NEWS
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Immune cells sculpt brain by pruning neuronal connections
Immune cells called microglia may play a central role in trimming synapses, the connections between neurons, according to research published 24 May in Neuron. These modifications are part of a normal developmental process by which excess synapses in the brain are destroyed.
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Bone marrow transplant alleviates Rett symptoms in mice
A bone marrow transplant from healthy mice to those lacking the MeCP2 protein, which causes Rett syndrome, extends lifespan and alleviates symptoms of the disorder, according to research published online 18 March in Nature.
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Networks of genes altered in autism brain, study says
Two networks of genes are abnormally expressed in the brains of people with autism, according to a study published 25 May, 2011 in Nature.
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Rett gene function extends beyond neurons, study finds
Microglia, brain cells that provide immune protection to neurons, may influence the onset and course of Rett syndrome, according to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience.
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Scientists capture microglia's role in brain connectivity
Scientists are changing their minds about the role of microglia, the brain's strongest and most agile soldiers against damage and infection. In healthy brains, microglia help build and eliminate synapses, the junctions between neurons, according to a study published 2 November, 2010 in PLoS Biology.
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VIEWPOINT
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The value of blood cells in autism research
Blood from individuals with autism could help researchers identify biomarkers to diagnose the disorder and learn more about related symptoms, such as gastrointestinal complaints, says molecular biologist Valerie Hu.
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IN BRIEF
