Researchers from the Massachusetts General Hospital have recently have been working on the usage of a new sequencing methodology to identify the unique set of genes in the immune cells of the brain, termed as Microglia, so that they can easily identify those toxins or pathogenic substances which need their response. The major outcome of this extensive research would be the analysis of the role played by these microglia, the differences in their role in both: normal brain and those affected by various degenerative disorders. This may also help in finding a suitable solid cure for various neurodegenerative conditions like those of Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease. The researchers also suggest that with aging, the role played by Microglia becomes more protective which is opposite to the view presented previously where it was supposed to become progressively toxic in nature.
They have successfully been able to find a specific set of genes called Microglia sensome which the microglia use to sense their environment. Such a finding will definitely help in regulating the expression of such genes in cases of diseases related to the Central Nervous System.
Microglia, which are basically a subdivision of Microphages, constantly analyses their surroundings for any sort of pathogenic or toxic substances or dead cells, and as soon as they encounter any such thing, they either engulf it, or release toxins which directly destroy the pathogens or the infected dead cells.
At the same time, such a neurotoxic response needs to be well-regulated in order to prevent the death of healthy cells. The failure in such regulatory mechanism is the major cause behind most of the neuro-degenerative disorders.
The research team used a new technique called Direct RNA Sequencing to clearly identify the responsible set of genes in the Microglia in the mice. They, then, compared the results obtained in the cases of an adult mice and an aged mice. The results they obtained was a complete contrast to the previously obtained one which said that with aging, th neurotoxic character increases. Rather, this time it was found that the action of the neuroprotective genes, i.e. sensing and removing pathogens, had increased with aging.
They have successfully been able to find a specific set of genes called Microglia sensome which the microglia use to sense their environment. Such a finding will definitely help in regulating the expression of such genes in cases of diseases related to the Central Nervous System.
Microglia, which are basically a subdivision of Microphages, constantly analyses their surroundings for any sort of pathogenic or toxic substances or dead cells, and as soon as they encounter any such thing, they either engulf it, or release toxins which directly destroy the pathogens or the infected dead cells.
At the same time, such a neurotoxic response needs to be well-regulated in order to prevent the death of healthy cells. The failure in such regulatory mechanism is the major cause behind most of the neuro-degenerative disorders.
The research team used a new technique called Direct RNA Sequencing to clearly identify the responsible set of genes in the Microglia in the mice. They, then, compared the results obtained in the cases of an adult mice and an aged mice. The results they obtained was a complete contrast to the previously obtained one which said that with aging, th neurotoxic character increases. Rather, this time it was found that the action of the neuroprotective genes, i.e. sensing and removing pathogens, had increased with aging.
