Microglia are the immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), playing an essential role during infections and inflammation in the brain. They constitute 10-15% of all cells in the brain. Brinkmann et al. reported that neutrophils can release web-like projections called Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs), composed of DNA fibers, histones, antimicrobials, cytosolic, and granule proteins. These NETs can entrap and destroy fungi, bacteria, and parasites.

Our laboratory at IIT Jodhpur has demonstrated the release of microglia-mediated Extracellular Traps (miETs) when induced with dopamine. Furthermore, neutrophil extracellular traps have been implicated in facilitating tumor cell metastasis in colon and breast cancer.

In this thesis, I have standardized the isolation and characterization of nucleic acids from the supernatant of dopamine-treated microglia cells. This method was used to quantify Microglia Extracellular Traps (miETs). We also aim to sequence the nucleic acids released by miETs, addressing the emerging need to fully understand microglial functions.