In the field of neurodegenerative disease research, recent advancements have highlighted the crucial role of myeloid cells, such as microglia and border-associated macrophages, in the brain's immune defense. These cells are constantly surveilling the microenvironment and responding to pathological stimuli, playing dual roles in neuroprotection and neurotoxicity depending on the disease stage and their interactions with other central nervous system (CNS) cells. Current research has identified risk loci in genes enriched in myeloid cells through human genome-wide association studies (GWAS), linking these cells to several neurodegenerative diseases. By integrating disease risk factors with myeloid-specific epigenomic and transcriptomic datasets, researchers have pinpointed causal regulatory elements and target genes that may modulate disease susceptibility. These genes are notably involved in microglial phagocytosis, endolysosomal function, and lipid metabolism. Dysfunction in these processes, particularly phagocytosis, has been implicated in the accumulation of toxic protein aggregates and impaired synaptic connectivity, contributing to disease progression. Despite these findings, there remains a need for a deeper understanding of the multifaceted functions of microglia and CNS myeloid cells, their interactions with neurons, and their roles in neurodegeneration, to develop effective therapeutic strategies.
This research topic aims to provide a platform for researchers to share their latest findings on the roles of microglial phagocytosis, lipid metabolism, and other CNS myeloid cells in neurodegenerative diseases. The goal is to explore the molecular mechanisms, genetics, proteomics, and lipidomics of these cells in the context of neurodegeneration. Additionally, we seek to investigate therapeutic interventions targeting microglia and myeloid cellular functions to ameliorate neurodegenerative processes. By addressing these areas, this Research Topic aims to answer key questions about the specific roles of microglia and myeloid cells in disease progression and their impact on neuronal survival and function.
To gather further insights into the complex roles of myeloid cells in neurodegenerative diseases, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Molecular mechanisms of microglial phagocytosis and its impact on neurodegeneration.
- The role of lipid metabolism in microglia and its influence on disease progression.
- Genetic and epigenomic factors affecting myeloid cell function in the CNS.
- Interactions between myeloid cells and other CNS cell types in the context of neurodegeneration.
- Development and evaluation of therapeutic strategies targeting myeloid cells to mitigate neurodegenerative diseases.
Keywords: Microglia, myeloid cells, phagocytosis, lipid metabolism, neurodegeneration, omics
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.
