Creating Space for Synaptic Formation—A New Role for Microglia in Synaptic Plasticity

Memory formation is thought to occur in the brain through dynamic remodeling of the synaptic architecture between neurons. The cellular mechanisms underlying these dynamics remain unclear. In this issue, Nguyen et al. demonstrate a novel role for microglia in regulating synaptic formation by clearing extracellular matrix proteins that embed neurons. Memory formation is thought to occur in the brain through dynamic remodeling of the synaptic architecture between neurons. The cellular mechanisms underlying these dynamics remain unclear. In this issue, Nguyen et al. demonstrate a novel role for microglia in regulating synaptic formation by clearing extracellular matrix proteins that embed neurons.