Synaptic Photodamage and Its Application to Study Microglia–Synapse Interactions In Vivo

Microglia appeared as the major player in the remodeling of synapses under physiological and pathophysiological conditions, in particular during development, forgetting, and neuroinflammation. In this chapter, we describe in vivo two-photon photodamage of single synapses to induce microglia–synapse interactions. Application examples are provided to illustrate the advantages offered by this methodology for the spatiotemporal control of microglia engagement in synaptic remodeling. Direct observation of this process opens new possibilities to gain mechanistic insights into how microglia are involved in various neurological and psychiatric disorders.