Microglia shape presynaptic properties at developing glutamatergic synapses
Deficient neuron-microglia signaling during brain development is associated with abnormal synaptic maturation. However, the precise impact of deficient microglia function on synaptic maturation and the mechanisms involved remain poorly defined. Here we report that mice defective in neuron-to-microglia signaling via the fractalkine receptor (Cx3cr1 KO) show reduced microglial branching and altered motility and develop widespread deficits in glutamatergic neurotransmission.