Microglia replacement by bone marrow transplantation (Mr BMT) in the central nervous system of adult mice

STAR Protoc. 2021 Jul 7;2(3):100666. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2021.100666. eCollection 2021 Sep 17.

Abstract

Microglia are important immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Mutations in microglia may cause CNS disorders. Replacement of dysfunctional microglia with allogeneic wild-type microglia can correct the gene deficiency, thus treating the neurogenic diseases. However, traditional approaches cannot efficiently replace microglia at the adulthood. Here, we introduce a potentially clinical-feasible strategy named microglia replacement by bone marrow transplantation that achieves efficient microglia replacement at the whole CNS scale, including the brain, spinal cord, and retina in adult mice. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Xu et al. (2020). The original abbreviation of this microglia replacement strategy is mrBMT. We hereby change the name to Mr BMT.

Keywords: Cell Biology; Immunology; Microscopy; Model Organisms; Neuroscience; Stem Cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow Cells / cytology*
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / methods*
  • Brain / cytology
  • Central Nervous System* / cytology
  • Central Nervous System* / surgery
  • Female
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Microglia* / cytology
  • Microglia* / physiology
  • Spinal Cord / cytology
  • Transplantation, Homologous