Subventricular zone microglia transcriptional networks

Microglia play an important role in inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. There is evidence of microglial diversity with distinct phenotypes exhibiting either neuroprotection and repair or neurotoxicity. However the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this diversity are still unknown.Using a model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) we performed transcriptional profiling of isolated subventricular zone microglia from the acute and chronic disease phases of EAE. We found that microglia exhibit disease phase specific gene expression signatures, that correspond to unique gene ontology functions and genomic networks. Our data demonstrate for the first time, distinct transcriptional networks of microglia activation in vivo, that suggests a role as mediators of injury or repair.

Research highlights
► Gene profiling of SVZ microglia during the acute and chronic phase of EAE.
► SVZ microglia show specific signatures for acute, chronic EAE and acute/chronic EAE.
► GO analysis suggests a neuroprotective and NSC niche supportive role in acute EAE.
► This supportive role does not persist during chronic EAE.