A flow cytometry-based protocol for syngenic isolation of neurovascular unit cells from mouse and human tissues.

The neurovascular unit (NVU), composed of endothelial cells, pericytes, juxtaposed astrocytes and microglia together with neurons, is essential for proper central nervous system functioning. The NVU critically regulates blood-brain barrier (BBB) function, which is impaired in several neurological diseases and is therefore a key therapeutic target. To understand the extent and cellular source of BBB dysfunction, simultaneous isolation and analysis of NVU cells is needed.

Profiling the neurovascular unit unveils detrimental effects of osteopontin on the blood-brain barrier in acute ischemic stroke.

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, characterized by degradation of BBB junctional proteins and increased permeability, is a crucial pathophysiological feature of acute ischemic stroke. Dysregulation of multiple neurovascular unit (NVU) cell types is involved in BBB breakdown in ischemic stroke that may be further aggravated by reperfusion therapy. Therefore, therapeutic co-targeting of dysregulated NVU cell types in acute ischemic stroke constitutes a promising strategy to preserve BBB function and improve clinical outcome.

Endothelial Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor 4 Regulates Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability and Promotes a Homeostatic Endothelial Phenotype.

The precise regulation of blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability for immune cells and blood-borne substances is essential to maintain brain homeostasis. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a lipid signaling molecule enriched in plasma, is known to affect BBB permeability. Previous studies focused on endothelial S1P receptors 1 and 2, reporting a barrier-protective effect of S1P1 and a barrier-disruptive effect of S1P2.

HIF-1α is involved in blood-brain barrier dysfunction and paracellular migration of bacteria in pneumococcal meningitis.

Bacterial meningitis is a deadly disease most commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, leading to severe neurological sequelae including cerebral edema, seizures, stroke, and mortality when untreated. Meningitis is initiated by the transfer of S. pneumoniae from blood to the brain across the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier or the blood-brain barrier (BBB).