Speaker: Pro. Gao Zhihua, Zhejiang University

Time: 13:00—14:30 p.m., March 29, 2024, GMT+8

Venue: Youcai Deng Lecture Hall, School of Life Sciences, PKU

Abstract: 

Microglia are the primary resident immune cells in the brain. They continuously survey the brain parenchyma with their dynamic processes, and rapidly respond to insults. How microglial dynamics is orchestrated bioenergetically remains largely unknown. We found that microglia express a distinct cluster of metabolic genes, and that a key glycolytic enzyme, hexokinase 2 (HK2) is specifically expressed in microglia. I will present data regarding how HK2shapes microglial dynamics and functions through metabolic and non-metabolic mechanisms.
Microglia have also been shown to play non-immune roles. Recently, we showed that microglia are actively engaged in the regulation of general anesthesia.Microglial ablationsubstantiallyreducedanestheticsensitivityandpromotedearlyanestheticemergence, revealing unexpected functions of microglia in a pharmacologically-induced state. I will summarize these discoveries and discuss potential underlying mechanisms.

Source: School of Life Sciences, PKU