Negative feedback control of neuronal activity by microglia

Ana Badimon, Hayley J. Strasburger, Pinar Ayata, Xinhong Chen, Aditya Nair, Ako Ikegami, Philip Hwang, Andrew T. Chan, Steven M. Graves, Joseph O. Uweru, Carola Ledderose, Munir Gunes Kutlu, Michael A. Wheeler, Anat Kahan, Masago Ishikawa, Ying Chih Wang, Yong Hwee E. Loh, Jean X. Jiang, D. James Surmeier, Simon C. RobsonWolfgang G. Junger, Robert Sebra, Erin S. Calipari, Paul J. Kenny, Ukpong B. Eyo, Marco Colonna, Francisco J. Quintana, Hiroaki Wake, Viviana Gradinaru, Anne Schaefer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

489 Scopus citations

Abstract

Microglia, the brain’s resident macrophages, help to regulate brain function by removing dying neurons, pruning non-functional synapses, and producing ligands that support neuronal survival1. Here we show that microglia are also critical modulators of neuronal activity and associated behavioural responses in mice. Microglia respond to neuronal activation by suppressing neuronal activity, and ablation of microglia amplifies and synchronizes the activity of neurons, leading to seizures. Suppression of neuronal activation by microglia occurs in a highly region-specific fashion and depends on the ability of microglia to sense and catabolize extracellular ATP, which is released upon neuronal activation by neurons and astrocytes. ATP triggers the recruitment of microglial protrusions and is converted by the microglial ATP/ADP hydrolysing ectoenzyme CD39 into AMP; AMP is then converted into adenosine by CD73, which is expressed on microglia as well as other brain cells. Microglial sensing of ATP, the ensuing microglia-dependent production of adenosine, and the adenosine-mediated suppression of neuronal responses via the adenosine receptor A1R are essential for the regulation of neuronal activity and animal behaviour. Our findings suggest that this microglia-driven negative feedback mechanism operates similarly to inhibitory neurons and is essential for protecting the brain from excessive activation in health and disease.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)417-423
Number of pages7
JournalNature
Volume586
Issue number7829
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 15 2020
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General

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