Diblock Copolymers of Poly(ethylene oxide)--poly(propylene oxide) Stabilize a Blood-Brain Barrier Model under Oxidative Stress.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly restrictive barrier at the interface between the brain and the vascular system. Even under BBB dysfunction, it is extremely difficult to deliver therapies across the barrier, limiting the options for treatment of neurological injuries and disorders. To circumvent these challenges, there is interest in developing therapies that directly engage with the damaged BBB to restore its function.

Spatial Distribution of PEO-PPO-PEO Block Copolymer and PEO Homopolymer in Lipid Bilayers.

Maintaining the integrity of cell membranes is indispensable for cellular viability. Poloxamer 188 (P188), a poly(ethylene oxide)--poly(propylene oxide)--poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO-PPO-PEO) triblock copolymer with a number-average molecular weight of 8700 g/mol and containing 80% by mass PEO, protects cell membranes from various external injuries and has the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent in diverse applications. The membrane protection mechanism associated with P188 is intimately connected with how this block copolymer interacts with the lipid bilayer, the main component of a cell membrane.

Modeling and rescue of defective blood-brain barrier function of induced brain microvascular endothelial cells from childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy patients.

Background: X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene. 40% of X-ALD patients will convert to the deadly childhood cerebral form (ccALD) characterized by increased permeability of the brain endothelium that constitutes the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Mutation information and molecular markers investigated to date are not predictive of conversion.