Dataset

DZNE-2026-00519

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Data from: Microglial motility is modulated by neuronal activity and correlates with dendritic spine plasticity in the hippocampus of awake mice

Nebeling, F.DZNE* ; Fuhrmann, M.DZNE* ; Diseases, G. C. f. N. (Sponsor)

2026
Dryad

This record in other databases:  

Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.5061/DRYAD.63XSJ3V68  doi:10.5061/dryad.63xsj3v68

Abstract: Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, play a complex role in health and disease. They actively survey the brain parenchyma by physically interacting with other cells and structurally shaping the brain. Yet the mechanisms underlying microglial motility and significance for synapse stability, especially in the hippocampus during adulthood, remain widely unresolved. Here we investigated the effect of neuronal activity on microglial motility and the implications for the formation and survival of dendritic spines on hippocampal CA1 neurons in vivo. We used repetitive two-photon in vivo imaging in the hippocampus of awake and anesthetized mice to simultaneously study the motility of microglia and their interaction with dendritic spines. We found that CA3 to CA1 input is sufficient to modulate microglial process motility. Simultaneously, more dendritic spines emerged in mice after awake compared to anesthetized imaging. Interestingly, the rate of microglial contacts with individual dendritic spines and dendrites was associated with the stability, removal, and emergence of dendritic spines. These results suggest that microglia might sense neuronal activity via neurotransmitter release and actively participate in synaptic rewiring of the hippocampal neural network during adulthood. Further, this study has profound relevance for hippocampal learning and memory processes.

Keyword(s): FOS: Natural sciences ; microglia ; two photon microscope ; dendritic spines ; Hippocampus

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Neuroimmunology and Imaging (AG Fuhrmann)

Research Program(s):

1. 352 - Disease Mechanisms (POF4-352) (POF4-352)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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Linked articles:

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Journal Article Nebeling, F. C. (First author)DZNE* ; Poll, S.DZNE* ; Justus, L. C.DZNE* ; Steffen, J.DZNE* ; Keppler, K.DZNE* ; Mittag, M.DZNE* ; Fuhrmann, M. (Last author)DZNE*
Microglial motility is modulated by neuronal activity and correlates with dendritic spine plasticity in the hippocampus of awake mice.
eLife 12, e83176 (2023) [10.7554/eLife.83176]2023   Files  Fulltext by Pubmed Central BibTeX | EndNote: XML, Text | RIS

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