ResearchBIORXIVMay 13
Preprint: Evolved differences in microglial cell biology between surface and cave populations of Astyanax mexicanus
Scientists studied brain cells called microglia in two types of Mexican tetras—one that lives in caves and one that lives in rivers. Microglia are immune cells in the brain that clean up dead cells and help shape how the brain develops. The researchers found that cave-dwelling fish have different microglia than surface-dwelling fish, which might explain why cave fish have weaker immune systems and different behaviors.
WHY IT MATTERSUnderstanding how microglia evolve could help researchers develop treatments for neurological conditions where immune cells in the brain don't work properly, potentially benefiting patients with neurodegenerative diseases or neuroinflammatory disorders.
ℹ Good to know