Microglia: A Critical Cell for Neurodevelopment

Abstract

The temporal and spatial pattern of microglia colonization of the nervous system implies a role in neurovascularization, cell fate differentiation to neuronal or glial phenotypes, cell proliferation and maturation, and postnatal myelination. With colonization of the developing nervous system, microglia assume a neuralspecific identity. With this unique identity, they actively contribute to key developmental events.These processes are accomplished by cell signaling, phagocytic activities, cellcell contact relationships, and secretion of various factors. This chapter will provide a brief assessment of our current understanding of this dynamic time for microglia and the interactive nature of these processes throughout the progression of nervous system development.