Spatial Microglial Identities and Functions in the Mammalian CNS: Unveiling Cellular Diversity and Functional Roles

Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), have emerged as key players in various neurological processes ranging from development to disease. Recent studies have highlighted the existence of spatial heterogeneity among microglial populations within the mammalian CNS. This heterogeneity refers to differences in molecular profiles, anatomical distributions, and functional characteristics across different regions of the brain. Understanding the spatial identities and functions of microglia will provide crucial insights into their roles in maintaining CNS homeostasis and their contributions to neuroinflammatory responses and pathologies.

This Research Topic aims to unravel the spatial identities and functions of microglia within the mammalian CNS. The goal is to investigate the diverse molecular and cellular profiles of microglia in different brain regions and their dynamic changes during development, aging, and in neurodegenerative diseases. By comprehensively characterizing microglial diversity and dissecting their region-specific roles, this research can pave the way for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies and interventions for neuroinflammatory diseases.

Authors are invited to contribute original research articles, reviews, and perspectives focusing on the following themes within the scope of spatial microglial identities and functions in the mammalian CNS:

• Molecular characterization of microglia in different brain regions
• Impact of regional heterogeneity on microglial development and maturation
• Functional roles of microglia in healthy CNS physiology and disease pathogenesis
• Interactions between spatially distinct microglial populations and other CNS cell types
• Changes in microglial spatial identities and functions during aging and neurodegenerative diseases

We encourage manuscripts that employ various experimental approaches, including molecular and cellular biology techniques, imaging methodologies, single-cell sequencing, and in vivo functional studies. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to advance our understanding of microglial diversity and function, ultimately leading to the development of targeted therapeutic interventions for neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Specialty Grand Challenge
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: spatial microglia, identity, function, mammalian CNS, cellular diversity, neuroinflammation, brain development, neurodegeneration

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.