Chimeric models to understand brain development and neuron-glia and glia-glia interactions
The researchers developed chimeric mouse brains by co-engraftment of hPSC-derived primitive neural progenitor cells and primitive macrophage progenitors into neonatal mouse for interrogation of human neuron-glia and glial-glial interactions in vivo.
They observed human microglia pruning synapses and engulfing neurons in the chimeric brains. They also observed dynamic stages of astroglial development resembling those in the human brain.
The authors observed strong cell-cell communications including NRXN-NLGN3 signaling between neurons and astrocytes and SPP1- and PTN-MK-mediated communication between microglia and astroglia.
Thus, these models provide a powerful platform for dissecting human brain development and disease mechanisms.
https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(25)01566-9
