Chapter
The Role of Microglia in Brain Function and Mental Health
46:47 - 52:16 (05:28)
Microglia are immune cells that prune unnecessary connections in the brain, and changes in this process may lead to mental health disorders like schizophrenia. A new study has mapped the human epigenome to better understand these mechanisms.
Clips
The understanding of disease has changed dramatically with genetics and has revealed previously unknown predispositions for diseases.
46:47 - 47:31 (00:44)
Summary
The understanding of disease has changed dramatically with genetics and has revealed previously unknown predispositions for diseases. For example, a genetic predisposition for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can increase the risk of blindness as one grows older.
ChapterThe Role of Microglia in Brain Function and Mental Health
Episode#133 – Manolis Kellis: Biology of Disease
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Immune cells called microglia constantly prune neuronal connections in the brain that are not utilized.
47:31 - 52:16 (04:44)
Summary
Immune cells called microglia constantly prune neuronal connections in the brain that are not utilized. A change in pruning has been linked to a higher risk of schizophrenia, as found in the largest map of the human epigenome across 127 different tissues and samples with dozens of epigenomic marks measured in hundreds of donors.