What is it about?
We examined how inflammation during early brain development affects the cerebellum, a part of the brain important for movement and cognition, in premature babies. Using a mouse model, we found that exposure to inflammation led to reduced size of the cerebellum and problems with myelination - the insulation around nerve fibers. They observed changes in cells called oligodendrocytes, which produce myelin, and in microglia, the brain's immune cells. The cerebellum seemed especially vulnerable compared to other brain regions. Importantly, some changes persisted long-term, suggesting inflammation may have lasting effects on cerebellar development. We identified specific inflammatory pathways activated in cerebellar microglia that may contribute to the damage.
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Why is it important?
This research is important because cerebellar injuries are common in premature infants and can lead to motor, cognitive and behavioral problems later in life. However, the causes and mechanisms of these injuries are not well understood. By using an animal model, this study was able to examine cerebellar changes in detail over time and identify potential cellular and molecular processes involved. The findings suggest inflammation, which premature babies are often exposed to, may play a key role in disrupting normal cerebellar development. Understanding these processes is crucial for developing ways to protect the cerebellum in premature infants. The study also highlights how different brain regions may respond differently to inflammation, with the cerebellum being particularly sensitive. This regional specificity is important to consider when studying brain development and potential therapies.
Perspectives
This research could lead to new ways to diagnose or predict cerebellar injury in premature infants. The specific changes observed in the cerebellum could potentially be used as early markers of damage. We hope it will also help identify the particular inflammatory pathways involved in cerebellar injury to guide the development of targeted therapies to protect the cerebellum. For example, drugs that inhibit the specific type of interferon signalling observed in cerebellar microglia might help prevent damage. Our findings emphasize the importance of reducing inflammation in premature infants to protect brain development. This could influence clinical practices in neonatal care.
Lab head - Perinatal Brain Injury Lab Bobbi Fleiss
RMIT University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: A unique cerebellar pattern of microglia activation in a mouse model of encephalopathy of prematurity, June 2021, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press,
DOI: 10.1101/2021.06.26.449853.
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