Microglial regulation of satiety and cognition

De Luca, S. N., Miller, A. A. , Sominsky, L. and Spencer, S. J. (2020) Microglial regulation of satiety and cognition. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 32(3), e12838. (doi: 10.1111/jne.12838) (PMID:32097992)

Abstract

Microglia have been known for decades as key immune cells that shape the central nervous system (CNS) during development and respond to brain pathogens and injury in adult life. Recent findings now suggest that these cells also play a highly complex role in several other functions of the CNS. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the established microglial functions in development and disease. We also discuss emerging research suggesting that microglia are important for both cognitive function and the regulation of food intake. With respect to cognitive function, current data suggest microglia are not indispensable for neurogenesis, synaptogenesis or cognition in the healthy young adult, although they crucially modulate and support these functions. In doing so, they are likely important in supporting the balance between apoptosis and survival of newborn neurones and in orchestrating appropriate synaptic remodelling in response to a learning stimulus. We also explore the possibility of a role for microglia in feeding and satiety. Microglia have been implicated in both appetite suppression with sickness and obesity and in promoting feeding under some conditions and we discuss these findings here, highlighting the contribution of these cells to healthy brain function.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Funding information: RMIT University Vice‐Chancellor’s Fellowships. National Health and Medical Research Council. Grant Number: APP1128646
• Keywords: Cognition, microglia, neuroinflammation, satiety.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Miller, Dr Alyson
• Authors: De Luca, S. N., Miller, A. A., Sominsky, L., and Spencer, S. J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Journal of Neuroendocrinology
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0953-8194
• ISSN (Online): 1365-2826
• Published Online: 03 February 2020