Microglia balances hypermyelination and demyelination in the brain.

Myelin is crucial for neuron health and central nervous system (CNS) function. Recent research by McNamara highlighted microglia's essential role in compacting the myelin sheath during development and their absence leads to aberrant oligodendrocyte clusters and subsequent cognitive impairment. The study revealed that the critical involvement of the TGFβ1-TGFβR1 axis in microglia-oligodendrocyte communication could influence the oligodendrocyte lipid metabolism and thereby regulate myelin integrity. Further exploration is needed to fully elucidate the dual impact of microglia on myelination, and interactions with other glial cells, holding promise for discovering new targets in myelin-related neurodegenerative and CNS disorders.