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Microglia are resident macrophages in the brain.Recent studies have suggested that in addition to their actions as scavengers to remove infectious agents,damaged cells and plaques,microglia may participate in many physiological processes in the developing and adult CNS,including the regulation of synaptic function and neuronal activity.However,the cellular and molecular basis underlying the homing and survival of microglia in the brain remain largely undefined.Here,by using in vivo live time-lapse imaging technique,we showed that peripheral macrophages entered the developing brain via the lateral side of the optic tectum.Interestingly,the microglia colonization of the brain appeared to be triggered by the signals such as ATP released by apoptotic neurons in the brain.Our study indicates that the colonization of microglia of the developing brain is guided by specific molecules released by apoptotic neurons.