Tumor associated microglia/macrophages utilize GPNMB to promote tumor growth and alter immune cell infiltration in glioma.

Tumor-associated microglia and blood-derived macrophages (TAMs) play a central role in modulating the immune suppressive microenvironment in glioma. Here, we show that GPNMB is predominantly expressed by TAMs in human glioblastoma multiforme and the murine RCAS-PDGFb high grade glioma model. Loss of GPNMB in the in vivo tumor microenvironment results in significantly smaller tumor volumes and generates a pro-inflammatory innate and adaptive immune cell microenvironment.

Infrapatellar Fat Pad Modulates Osteoarthritis-Associated Cytokine and MMP Expression in Human Articular Chondrocytes.

Osteoarthritis (OA) most frequently affects the knee joint and is associated with an elevated expression of cytokines and extracellular cartilage matrix (ECM), degrading enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Differences in gene expression of the intra-articularly located infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) and other fatty tissue suggest its autonomous function, yet its role in OA pathogenesis remains unknown. Human IPFPs and articular cartilage were collected from OA patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, and biopsies from the IPFP of healthy patients harvested during knee arthroscopy served as controls (CO).

Neurofibromin 1 mutations impair the function of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant condition caused by germline mutations in the neurofibromin 1 (NF1) gene. Children with NF1 are prone to the development of multiple nervous system abnormalities, including autism and brain tumors, which could reflect the effect of NF1 mutation on microglia function. Using heterozygous Nf1-mutant mice, we previously demonstrated that impaired purinergic signaling underlies deficits in microglia process extension and phagocytosis in situ.

Neurosurgical Education Using Cadaver-Free Brain Models and Augmented Reality: First Experiences from a Hands-On Simulation Course for Medical Students.

: Neurosurgery has been underrepresented in the medical school curriculum. Advances in augmented reality and 3D printing have opened the way for early practical training through simulations. We assessed the usability of the UpSurgeOn simulation-based training model and report first experiences from a hands-on neurosurgery course for medical students.

Activation of Toll-like receptor 5 in microglia modulates their function and triggers neuronal injury.

Microglia are the primary immune-competent cells of the central nervous system (CNS) and sense both pathogen- and host-derived factors through several receptor systems including the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family. Although TLR5 has previously been implicated in different CNS disorders including neurodegenerative diseases, its mode of action in the brain remained largely unexplored. We sought to determine the expression and functional consequences of TLR5 activation in the CNS.