Microglia: The Neural Cells of Non-Neural Origin -- Morphology of Microglia across Contexts of Health and Disease -- Physiology of Microglia -- Microglia Reactivity: Heterogeneous Pathological Phenotypes -- Microglia in Neurodegenerative Disorders -- Physiological Implications of Microglia-Synapse Interactions -- Ultrastructural Analyses of Microglial Interactions with Synapses -- Visualizing Dark Microglia -- Electrophysiological Investigation of Microglia -- Replenishment of Organotypic Hippocampal Slice Cultures with Neonatal or Adult Microglia -- Assessment of Parasite-Microglia Interactions In Vitro -- In Vivo Visualization of Microglia Using Tomato Lectin -- Long-Term In Vivo Imaging of Individual Microglial Cells -- Analysis of Signaling Mechanisms Regulating Microglial Process Movement -- Measuring Microglial Turnover in the Adult Brain -- Novel Microglia Depletion Systems: A Genetic Approach Utilizing Conditional Diphtheria Toxin Receptor Expression and a Pharmacological Model Based on the Blocking of Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor 1 Receptor -- Single Cell Electroporation for Measuring In Vivo Calcium Dynamics in Microglia -- Labeling Microglia with Genetically-Encoded Calcium Indicators -- Calcium Imaging of Microglial Network Activity in Stroke -- In Vivo Two Photon Imaging of Microglial Synapse Contacts -- In Vivo Phagocytosis Analysis of Amyloid Beta -- Functional Analysis of Brain-Engrafted Monocytes after Microglial Ablation in Mouse Models -- Analysis of the Microglial Sensome -- Transcriptomics and Live Imaging to Define Functional Phenotypes of Microglia in Pathological Human Tissue.

This book presents a comprehensive toolkit of versatile techniques for studying microglia under different experimental settings along with a brief summary of knowledge, accumulated in microglial research over the last decades. Beginning with recently discovered roles of microglia in health and disease, the volume continues by covering in vitro analyses of microglia, in vivo studies, and “omics” analyses. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Microglia: Methods and Protocols serves as a vital guide to these important cells and an inspiration for scientists interested in expanding our knowledge of their role in the nervous system.