Dynamic changes in mitochondria support phenotypic flexibility of microglia

Abstract

Microglial capacity to adapt to tissue needs is a hallmark feature of these cells. New studies show that mitochondria critically regulate the phenotypic adaptability of macrophages. To determine whether these organelles play similar roles in shaping microglial phenotype, we generated transgenic crosses to accurately visualize and manipulate microglial mitochondria. We find that brain-region differences in microglial attributes and responses to aging are accompanied by regional differences in mitochondrial mass and aging-associated mitochondrial remodeling. Microglial mitochondria are also altered within hours of LPS injections and microglial expression of inflammation-, trophic-, and phagocytosis-relevant genes is strongly correlated with expression levels of mitochondria-relevant genes. Finally, direct genetic manipulation of microglial mitochondria alters microglial morphology and leads to brain-region specific effects on microglial gene expression. Overall, this study advances our understanding of microglial mitochondria and supports the idea that mitochondria influence basal microglia phenotype and phenotypic remodeling that takes place over hours to months.