Pregnancy-induced maternal microchimerism shapes neurodevelopment and behavior in mice
Related Research units
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery
- Bioinformatik Core
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology
- III. Department of Medicine
Abstract
Life-long brain function and mental health are critically determined by developmental processes occurring before birth. During mammalian pregnancy, maternal cells are transferred to the fetus. They are referred to as maternal microchimeric cells (MMc). Among other organs, MMc seed into the fetal brain, where their function is unknown. Here, we show that, in the offspring's developing brain in mice, MMc express a unique signature of sensome markers, control microglia homeostasis and prevent excessive presynaptic elimination. Further, MMc facilitate the oscillatory entrainment of developing prefrontal-hippocampal circuits and support the maturation of behavioral abilities. Our findings highlight that MMc are not a mere placental leak out, but rather a functional mechanism that shapes optimal conditions for healthy brain function later in life.
Bibliographical data
Original language | English |
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Article number | 4571 |
ISSN | 2041-1723 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 05.08.2022 |
Comment Deanary
© 2022. The Author(s).
PubMed | 35931682 |
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