The Arp2/3 complex controls the development of homeostatic microglia
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Microglial dynamics and homeostasis are crucial for maintaining central nervous system (CNS) function. To fulfill their homeostatic functions, microglia develop into ramified cells with highly dynamic cell protrusions. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying this developmental transition are largely unknown. Here, we investigate the role of the Actin-related protein 2/3 (Arp2/3) complex, a critical actin nucleator that controls the formation of actin branches, for the biology of tissue-resident microglia. By conditionally targeting Arpc4 in mice, we show that Arp2/3 depletion in tissue-resident microglia causes phenotypes beyond previously reported functions in other immune cell types. Our results identify an important role of Arp2/3 for controlling the developmental transition of microglia into cells with ramified morphology, homeostatic gene profile, and surveillance function in the CNS. Together, our results link actin remodeling to microglial maturation and activation, highlighting the Arp2/3 complex as a critical factor for maintaining the plasticity and preventing pathological activation of endogenous microglia.
Source: EMBO Reports
Institutions: Deutsches Zentrum für Psychische Gesundheit, Technical University of Munich, University of Freiburg, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, University of Milano-Bicocca, UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, University of Münster, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics
Language: English
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $7,990
Awards: SFB 1450: Darstellung organspezifischer Entzündung durch multiskalige Bildgebung, TRR 332: Neutrophile Granulozyten: Entwicklung, Verhalten, und Funktion, G3256625789, G3398563203, SFB 1479: Onkogengetriebener Immun Escape (OncoEscape), G4128933036, TRR 359: Perinatale Entwicklung der ImmunzellTopologie (PILOT), SFB 1160: Immunpathologie aufgrund eingeschränkter Immunreaktionen (IMPATH), EXC 2189: CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, TRR 167: Entwicklung, Funktion und Potential von myeloiden Zellen im zentralen Nervensystem (NeuroMac), G5761221976, G5800891581, G5931083012, DZPG Aufbauförderung - 'Standort München' - Neuroimmunologie, Modellsysteme und evidenzbasierte Psychiatrie, SFB 1348: Dynamische zelluläre Grenzflächen: Bildung und Funktion, G820177544
OpenAlex ID: W7131820102