"Crucial Microglia Subset Key to Cognitive Functioning, Study Finds"
A unique subset of microglia cells, the ARG1+microglia, has been identified as crucial for proper cognitive functioning in mice, with evidence suggesting a similar subset exists in humans. Microglia lacking the protein ARG1 led to less exploratory behavior in mice, indicating cognitive deficits. Female animals exhibited more pronounced behavioral and hippocampal impairments caused by ARG1 microglial deficiency, hinting at possible connections to gender biases in diseases like Alzheimer’s. These discoveries open exciting new possibilities for understanding brain diseases and developing novel therapies.