The key mechanism that activates and deactivates the first line of defense of the brain, formed by the so-called microglia cells, has been revealed: the discovery lays the foundations for new treatments against pain caused by chemotherapy, but could also pave the way for treatments for reduce inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. The study, published in the journal Cell Reports, is led by the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), in collaboration with the Sapienza University of Rome and the American Columbia University.
Microglia are a type of cell found in the brain that defend the nervous system from anything that could harm it, such as pathogens, cancer cells or inflammation. When no threats are present, microglia cells are in an inactive or ‘surveillance’ state characterized by a branching shape, allowing them to survey their surroundings for signs of danger. In the event of a threat, microglia switch to their active state, where they take on a more rounded shape.
The researchers coordinated by Silvia Di Angelantonio have discovered the very mechanism that allows the passage between these two conformations: the key lies in the so-called ‘microtubules’, fundamental elements for giving shape to the cells, which change their arrangement by activating or deactivating the cells. However, microglia that remain stuck in the activated state contribute to brain inflammation and the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and are implicated in the development of pain caused by chemotherapy, which destroys microtubules.
“The future will be the development of new therapeutic approaches aimed at specifically modulating the changes in the microtubules of microglia, without affecting the other cells,” says Di Angelantonio. “This with a view to preventing or countering the pathological activation of microglia: we are only at the beginning of this journey, but we are moving”.
Source: Ansa
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