International Linkages
Project 21
Microglia turnover in neurogenic areas of the nervous systemNew neurons are continuously added
to three select areas of the adult nervous system, i.e. the
olfactory neuroepithelium, the olfactory bulb and the
hippocampus. In our research, we are particularly interested in
cross-talk between the immune and nervous system in those
neurogenic areas. Microglia are important in the phagocytosis of
dying cells from the brain. Chronic inflammation of the brain and
neurodegenerative diseases impair the neurogenesis process. Thus,
to maintain a favourable environment for neuronal replacement,
inflammation needs to be prevented upon microglia activation. In
the lab, we use a transgenic mouse line in which the marker gene
green fluorescent protein (GFP) is selectively expressed in all
cells derived from the monocytic lineage, including brain
microglia. Using GFP as a marker for brain microglia, this
project aims to study activation dynamics and turnover of
monocytic cells in neurogenic brain areas where cell death and
replacement are naturally occurring.
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