Microglia play a crucial role in maintaining neuronal function by clearing toxins from the brain and central nervous system. However, overactive microglia can damage neurons and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
New research published in Cell Reports found that microglial function may not be as similar across sex as previously thought. A study using adult mice showed that male and female microglia respond differently to an enzyme inhibitor, PLX3397, which blocks the receptor that signals microglial survival.
Female microglia were found to upregulate autophagy and proteostasis pathways, increasing their survival, while male microglia increased mitobiogenesis. This sex-specific difference in response may contribute to the well-documented sex differences in neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
The study’s findings have broad implications for how diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are approached and studied, highlighting the need for gender-specific research. The discovery could lead to the development of new disease-modifying therapies that target microglia, particularly in females who are more likely to be diagnosed with these conditions.
Source: https://www.genengnews.com/topics/translational-medicine/microglia-may-also-be-from-mars-and-venus-notes-new-study