ATP mediates rapid microglial response to local brain injury in vivo

Abstract summary

Demonstrated that microglia rapidly extend processes toward sites of local tissue damage using ATP as a damage signal through purinergic P2Y receptors. Companion to Nimmerjahn et al. Two-photon imaging in live mice showed directed microglial process extension within minutes of injury.

Evidence labels

Therapeutic relevance

Identified P2RY12 as a key chemotactic receptor for microglial injury response, a potential target for modulating microglial recruitment.