Research is being conducted on the role of microglia in shaping the brain's synapses and extracellular space. Studies suggest that microglia interact with the extracellular matrix to influence synaptic plasticity and brain development, with implications for various conditions, including glaucoma, aging, and opioid use disorder. The findings highlight the complex relationships between microglia, the extracellular matrix, and neuronal function, but the specifics of these interactions are still being explored.