Description

The postnatal developmental period is critical for the optimal maturation of the mammalian brain, involving programmed apoptosis mechanisms to eliminate excess cells and sculpt neuronal networks. Understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying brain maturation could help preventing neurodevelopmental disruptions. Microglia, innate immune cells within the brain, play a key role in shaping neuronal networks via direct phagocytic contact. Microglia also communicate with cerebral cells via extracellular vesicles, containing essential molecular information (protein, lipids, etc). Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) such as arachidonic acid (AA, n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, n-3) are essential for membrane structure, cell signaling and communication, accumulating significantly during early postnatal brain development. Reduced intake of n-3 PUFAs may pose a risk for neurodevelopmental disorders impacting microglial function and brain development. This project aims at understanding LC-PUFA-dependent mechanisms regulating human microglia lipid maturation and their functions during postnatal brain development.

Skills required

Basics in cell biology, neurosciences and/or nutrition and/or neuroimmunology; no apprehension to work with alive animals

Bibliography

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Keywords

Neurodevelopment, Microglia, Lipid metabolism, fatty acids, human cerebral organoids, extracellular vesicles