Title: "Microglia Memory: Fine Tuning Gene Expression in the Brain"

Abstract: "Early life experience not only shapes our brains and behaviours, but impacts our risk for developing disease throughout our life. But how do our genes and environment combine to shape our developing brains? Both human post-mortem brain and animal models have identified altered patterns of gene regulation specifically in microglia, the immune cells of the brain. The immune and nervous systems interact during normal brain development to shape neuronal connections, neuronal numbers and cell-to-cell communication. Microglia regulate gene expression in response to the local brain environment, making them acutely sensitive to injury, disease and abnormal brain function. We have begun to identify new gene regulatory mechanisms underlying how microglia form molecular “memories” that allow them to respond and adapt to the brain environment. Our work will aid in defining new therapeutic targets and early biomarkers at the interface of genetic and environmental risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders."