CFH1 Research - Probing the role of ion channels in microglial activation using in vivo models

Microglia are immune cells resident in the brain. Once microglia detect an infection, they activate and move to the injury site. Excessive microglial activation can make brain diseases worse. Microglia have channels in their membrane that allow ions like sodium to flow in or out. One particular ion channel that is very common on microglia helps them become activated, making it an attractive drug target. However, the role of this channel in microglial function has not been studied in the intact brain. We will use microscopy and electrophysiology to visualise how it affects microglia in the living mouse brain.