Cx3cr1 deficiency interferes with learning- and direct current stimulation-mediated neuroplasticity of the motor cortex

Microglia are essential contributors to synaptic transmission and stability and communicate with neurons via the fractalkine pathway. Transcranial direct current stimulation [(t)DCS], a form of non-invasive electrical brain stimulation, modulates cortical excitability and promotes neuroplasticity, which has been extensively demonstrated in the motor cortex and for motor learning. The role of microglia and their fractalkine receptor CX3CR1 in motor cortical neuroplasticity mediated by DCS or motor learning requires further elucidation. We demonstrate the effects of pharmacological microglial depletion and genetic Cx3cr1 deficiency on the induction of DCS-induced long-term potentiation (DCS-LTP) ex vivo. The relevance of microglia-neuron communication for DCS response and structural neuroplasticity underlying motor learning are assessed via 2-photon in vivo imaging. The behavioural consequences of impaired CX3CR1 signalling are investigated for both gross and fine motor learning. We show that DCS-mediated neuroplasticity in the motor cortex depends on the presence of microglia and is driven in part by CX3CR1 signalling ex vivo and provide the first evidence of microglia interacting with neurons during DCS in vivo. Furthermore, CX3CR1 signalling is required for motor learning and underlying structural neuroplasticity in concert with microglia interaction. Although we have recently demonstrated the microglial response to DCS in vivo, we now provide a link between microglial integrity and neuronal activity for the expression of DCS-dependent neuroplasticity. In addition, we extend the knowledge on the relevance of CX3CR1 signalling for motor learning and structural neuroplasticity. The underlying molecular mechanisms and the potential impact of DCS in rescuing CX3CR1 deficits remain to be addressed in the future.

Automated summary

Microglia play a crucial role in motor cortical neuroplasticity and their communication with neurons through the fractalkine pathway is essential. Our study reveals that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) requires the presence of microglia and CX3CR1 signaling for inducing neuroplasticity in the motor cortex. We also provide the first evidence of microglia interacting with neurons during tDCS, and demonstrate that CX3CR1 signaling is necessary for motor learning and structural neuroplasticity.