Critical genes within the LXR/RXR pathway activation were significantly upregulated in cKO microglia compared to WT (p = 0.0014, Fig. 3b), including Nr1h3 (encoding LXRa), Apoe, Abca1, Abcg1, and Mertk, where they work together to induce more phagocytosis of debris, including stroke-induced myelin debris which is rich in cholesterol22, and cholesterol export activity (Fig. 3c). This evidence concerns the gene MERTK and Stroke.