RCCHU Neuroscience International Seminars: III. Microglial Cells Make the Brain an Enjoyable Place to Live in

Although, when we talk about the brain, the cells that come fastest to our mind are ‘Neurons!’, there are other cells in the brain with essential functions, such as glial cells. Their goal is to keep a safe and nice environment for neurons, so brain circuits can work perfectly. One of these glial cells are ‘Microglia’, the watchers of the brain. Microglia belong to the immune system and, thus, are in charge of fighting against enemies and cleaning around to make sure there is an equilibrated, danger-free environment in the brain. When there is no injury, they are in a quiet state, although always alert. There are different types of damage that can challenge brain’s peace: (1) pathogens (bacteria, virus), (2) cancer cells, (3) overproduction of proteins, which normally are in the brain, but run out of control, such as happens in Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease; among others. Under these circumstances, microglial cells activate. They change their form, the substances that they produce, and get ready for action! When the problem is resolved, they go back to their relaxed, but suspicious state.

You can follow the event here

Organized by: Clara Muñoz Castro, RCCHU Postdoctoral Researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital (Alzheimer’s Disease Research Unit), Harvard Medical School, Harvard University

Speaker: Carmen Romero-Molina, PhD. Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY

Sponsor: RCC; Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, NY