On May 27, 2025, Yan Chao and Liu Xiangyu from Nanjing University, Cong Qifei from Suzhou University, and Li Xinjian from Zhejiang University jointly published a research paper titled "GABA dependent microglial elimination of inhibitory synapses underlying neural hyperexcitability in epilepsy" online in Nature Neuroscience (IF=21.3). They successfully achieved stable in vivo observation of calcium signals in epileptic mouse microglia using a high-dimensional miniaturized two-photon microscopy imaging system (FHIRM series), revealing the key role of microglia mediated selective elimination of inhibitory synapses in driving neuronal overexcitation.

Screenshot of the online publication of the paper

After establishing a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) in CX3CR1-GCaMP6s transgenic mice, researchers used miniaturized two-photon technology for temporal lobe two-photon calcium imaging and found that after induction with kainic acid (KA), the calcium signal of microglia in the temporal lobe cortex significantly increased. After administering a GABAB receptor antagonist CGP52432 via intraperitoneal injection, this activation phenomenon can be greatly inhibited, indicating that GAGB signaling plays a role in the response of microglia. This has laid a solid foundation for the subsequent confirmation that the activation and clearance of inhibitory synapses by microglia lead to neuronal hyperexcitability in epilepsy.

This study not only deepens the understanding of the neuroimmune mechanisms of epilepsy, but also highlights the value of precise imaging tools in neuroscience research. We are honored to provide imaging technology support for this important research.