Examines mouse-model evidence that microglial TAM receptors drive phagocytic destruction of motor neurons in ALS and outlines implicated cell-surface signals.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting microglial Axl and Mertk in SOD1G93A mice extended lifespan and preserved motor neurons
- SOD1G93A neurons showed elevated surface phosphatidylserine, a TAM co-ligand promoting phagocytosis
- Microglial lysosomes contained cholinergic neuron debris in SOD1G93A spinal cords but not after TAM deletion