Nature Communications · 26 September 2026 · From issue 43
Microglia regulate nucleus accumbens synaptic development and circuit function underlying threat avoidance behaviors in mice
In mice, missing brain cleanup cells cause lasting changes in threat response behavior.
Michael W. Gongwer, Fanny Etienne et al.
Brain cells called microglia do more than clean up unused connections. They also help build new connections in a brain area that controls emotions and motivation. In mice born without microglia, this area formed fewer new connections early in life. This led to lasting changes in how the mice reacted to threats, even as adults.
Shows microglia help build brain connections, not just remove them, in a mouse emotion center.
Mice only, early life findings, no human data yet.
Integrity screen: passed (3 checks) Checked 28 September 2026. Retraction record: none. DOI resolves at doi.org. Metadata record found (Nature Communications). Read the source
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