Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Celia Seillier, Flavie Lesept, Olivier Toutirais, Fanny Potzeha, Manuel Blanc, Denis Vivien
Summary: The article provides an overview of the functions of NMDARs in the central nervous system, their expression and modulation in different cell types, and their significance as targets for treating neurological disorders.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Natalie Hudson, Matthew Campbell
Summary: The homeostatic balance of the brain and retina is maintained by the blood-brain and inner blood-retinal barrier, which are specialized barriers formed by interconnected endothelial cells with tight junctions. Disruption of the tight junction complex can lead to detrimental effects on brain and retinal pathology by allowing harmful substances to enter neural tissues.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Raphael Bernard-Valnet, Sylvain Perriot, Mathieu Canales, Beatrice Pizzarotti, Leonardo Caranzano, Mayte Castro-Jimenez, Jean-Benoit Epiney, Sergiu Vijiala, Paolo Salvioni-Chiabotti, Angelica Anichini, Alexander Salerno, Katia Jaton, Julien Vaucher, Matthieu Perreau, Gilbert Greub, Giuseppe Pantaleo, Renaud A. Du Pasquier
Summary: The study suggests that neurologic symptoms in COVID-19 patients may be related to intrathecal production of CXCL8, rather than active replication of the virus or massive inflammation in the CSF.
NEUROLOGY-NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Brandon C. Smith, Rachel A. Tinkey, Benjamin C. Shaw, Jessica L. Williams
Summary: The blood-brain barrier is a barrier with selective permeability that separates the periphery from the central nervous system. The neurovascular unit, consisting of multiple cells, regulates the permeability of the blood-brain barrier. Understanding the contributions of each member of the neurovascular unit can lead to novel methods for delivering neurotherapies to the central nervous system.
IMMUNOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Yoshimichi Sato, Jaime Falcone-Juengert, Teiji Tominaga, Hua Su, Jialing Liu
Summary: The neurovascular unit (NVU) depicts the relationship between brain cells and the vascular structure, regulating cerebral blood flow and maintaining brain homeostasis. Dysregulation of the NVU is a key pathological feature underlying neurological disorders. Understanding NVU dysfunction and remodeling is crucial for targeted therapy design and relevant research progress.
Article
Neurosciences
Yasuhiro Aso, Noriyuki Kimura, Etsuro Matsubara
Summary: The study revealed that serum levels of PTPRB and GJA5 were inversely correlated with cortical amyloid deposition, while levels of KCNJ8 and vWF were positively correlated. These findings suggest that these blood biomarkers are associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease.
JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luis O. Soto-Rojas, Mar Pacheco-Herrero, Paola A. Martinez-Gomez, B. Berenice Campa-Cordoba, Ricardo Apatiga-Perez, Marcos M. Villegas-Rojas, Charles R. Harrington, Fidel de la Cruz, Linda Garces-Ramirez, Jose Luna-Munoz
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, characterized by neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid beta accumulation. Vascular risk factors may lead to dysregulation of the neurovascular unit, contributing to A beta accumulation and neurodegeneration. Therapeutic approaches targeting abnormal A beta levels have had limited success in improving cognition.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tam Thuy Lu Vo, Dain Shin, Eunyoung Ha, Ji Hae Seo
Summary: This review examines the harmful effects of drug abuse on the blood-brain barrier (BBB), with a focus on the mechanisms through which it damages the neurovascular unit (NVU). Understanding the relationships between drug abuse, BBB integrity, and NVU function may lead to the discovery of new therapeutic strategies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kazuki Hatayama, Sydney Riddick, Fares Awa, Xiaodi Chen, Daniela Virgintino, Barbara S. Stonestreet
Summary: Exposure to hypoxic-ischemic insults in newborns can lead to severe neurological sequelae. This study investigated the changes in the neurovascular unit (NVU) after hypoxic-ischemic injury in neonatal rats. The findings showed increased vascular density, neurovascular remodeling, and changes in pericyte coverage and claudin-5 expression in different brain regions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Suyeong Seo, Chi-Hoon Choi, Kyung Sik Yi, Seung U. Kim, Kangwon Lee, Nakwon Choi, Hong Jun Lee, Sang-Hoon Cha, Hong Nam Kim
Summary: The neurovascular unit (NVU) is composed of various types of brain cells that play important roles in maintaining the molecular transport barrier and brain tissue homeostasis. Dysfunction of the NVU has been associated with several disorders of the central nervous system, highlighting the importance of developing in vitro models for studying and understanding NVU-related mechanisms.
Review
Neurosciences
Louis-Philippe Bernier, Clement Brunner, Azzurra Cottarelli, Matilde Balbi
Summary: The neurovascular unit (NVU) in the brain exhibits spatial heterogeneity, with variations in cellular composition and functional specialization across different brain regions. This diversity is crucial for brain function.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hamdam Hourfar, Farhang Aliakbari, Shabboo Rahimi Aqdam, Zahra Nayeri, Hassan Bardania, Daniel E. Otzen, Dina Morshedi
Summary: The blood-brain barrier (BBB) controls the movement of biomolecules and protects the brain, but it can be compromised by the accumulation of alpha-synuclein aggregates (alpha SN-AGs) seen in Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, in vitro co-culturing models were used to investigate how alpha SN-AGs affect the BBB. The results showed that alpha SN-AGs compromised the endothelial cells, leading to decreased viability, membrane potential, wound healing activity, TEER value, and increased permeability. However, co-culturing with astrocytes or dopaminergic neurons, or treatment with their conditioned media, increased resistance against alpha SN-AGs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Ze Liu, Yaohui Tang, Zhijun Zhang, Qianqian Liu, Mian Wang, Wanlu Li, Guo-Yuan Yang
Summary: Ischemic stroke is a vascular disease of the central nervous system with high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. In vitro neurovascular unit (NVU)/blood-brain barrier (BBB) models are used to mimic ischemic stroke and replicate cell-cell interactions, blood flow, and brain anatomical features. This article provides an overview of transwell, microfluidic, and hydrogel-based NVU/BBB models, including cell types, engineering approaches, and simulation of physiological and pathological features. The recent advances in 3D-printed NVU models are emphasized as a promising system for mechanistic studies and drug screenings for ischemic stroke therapy.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Gesine Paul, Osama F. Elabi
Summary: Vascular alterations are commonly observed in various neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). This review examines the evidence for different vascular changes in PD patients and animal models, ranging from pericyte activation and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption to compensatory angiogenesis and vascular rarefaction. The review also highlights the potential role of perivascular inflammation and metabolic disease in these vascular alterations. Understanding the contribution of vascular events to PD pathogenesis could lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies, such as modulating the BBB and its signaling at the interface between the blood and the brain.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Hui Zhang, Qi Xie, Juan Hu
Summary: Cerebral ischemia is a major disease that can lead to death or disability among patients. Studies have shown that exercise can produce protective effects in cerebral ischemia by protecting blood-brain barrier integrity, promoting neovascularization, reducing neuronal apoptosis, and ultimately improving neurological function.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Aric F. Logsdon, Elizabeth M. Rhea, May Reed, William A. Banks, Michelle A. Erickson
Summary: The endothelial glycocalyx layer (EGL) is a crucial component of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), consisting of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans. It serves as the first line of defense in preventing substances from entering the brain.
EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Elizabeth M. Rhea, William A. Banks
Summary: Since the discovery of insulin in 1921, research has extensively investigated its role in the brain, particularly its ability to regulate peripheral glucose levels and transport across the blood-brain barrier. Advancements in technology have allowed for quantitative measurement of insulin transport rate at the blood-brain barrier, as well as exploration of the specific role of the insulin receptor through genetic mouse models and high-specificity antagonists.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Elizabeth M. Rhea, Aric F. Logsdon, Kim M. Hansen, Lindsey M. Williams, May J. Reed, Kristen K. Baumann, Sarah J. Holden, Jacob Raber, William A. Banks, Michelle A. Erickson
Summary: The study demonstrates that the SARS-CoV-2 spike 1 protein can cross the mouse blood-brain barrier and be taken up by both the brain and peripheral tissues. Intravenous injection results in higher levels of protein uptake in the brain compared to intranasal administration. Genetic factors and sex have varying effects on the uptake of the spike protein in different tissues.
NATURE NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michelle A. Erickson, Elizabeth M. Rhea, Rachel C. Knopp, William A. Banks
Summary: This review discusses the mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 interactions with the blood-brain barrier (BBB) may lead to neurological dysfunction associated with COVID-19. It considers peripheral diseases such as hypoxia and systemic inflammatory response syndrome, as well as CNS infection and viral entry into the brain. Additionally, it explores the contribution of risk factors for severe COVID-19 to BBB dysfunction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Alejandro Parga Becerra, Aric F. Logsdon, William A. Banks, Christopher B. Ransom
Summary: Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes significant disruption in GABA signaling in dentate gyrus granule cells, affecting both phasic and tonic inhibition as well as GABA receptor function. These changes are predicted to interfere with hippocampal network function and contribute to the development of epilepsy following severe TBI.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Aric F. Logsdon, Kendra L. Francis, Nicole E. Richardson, Shannon J. Hu, Chelsea L. Faber, Bao Anh Phan, Vy Nguyen, Naly Setthavongsack, William A. Banks, Randy L. Woltjer, C. Dirk Keene, Caitlin S. Latimer, Michael W. Schwartz, Jarrad M. Scarlett, Kimberly M. Alonge
Summary: The study found that patients with AD-related dementia experience a re-coding of their PNN-associated CS-GAGs, correlating with the progression of pathology, accumulation of p-tau, and cognitive impairment. These sulfation changes can be detected prior to classical AD pathology, potentially playing a crucial role in the development of the disease.
ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Melvin R. Hayden, William A. Banks
Summary: Obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and aging are global societal problems with potential complications, causing economic burdens to individuals and families. This review focuses on the role of leptin hormone from white adipose tissue in brain remodeling in female mice with hyperphagia, obesity, or hyperglycemia, examining structural changes in various brain components.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jia Li, Meng Zheng, Yan Zou, Pu Chun Ke, Miqin Zhang, William A. Banks, Bingyang Shi
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Takashi Fujimoto, Yoichi Morofuji, Andrej Kovac, Michelle A. Erickson, Maria A. Deli, Masami Niwa, William A. Banks
Summary: Statins have neuroprotective effects on neurological diseases, possibly through regulating blood-brain barrier function. Pitavastatin (PTV) can ameliorate lipopolysaccharide-induced blood-brain barrier dysfunction by inhibiting cytokine production. These findings highlight the pharmacological significance of statins in the treatment of central nervous system diseases.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elizabeth M. Rhea, Kim Hansen, Sarah Pemberton, Eileen Ruth S. Torres, Sarah Holden, Jacob Raber, William A. Banks
Summary: Independent risk factors such as age, apoE isoform, sex, and diet can impact the development of Alzheimer's disease. Synergies between some of these risk factors have been observed, but the relationship between the latter three has not been studied. Analysis of the insulin blood-brain barrier pharmacokinetics in aged male and female mice with different apoE isoforms and diets showed potential differences in insulin interactions, which may contribute to cognitive changes related to altered CNS insulin signaling.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Michelle A. Erickson, William A. Banks
Summary: Disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) can occur through different mechanisms and pathways, resulting in different neurological insults. The importance of transcellular pathways in BBB disruption has been highlighted. Transcytotic mechanisms are less clearly linked to permeability compared to membrane spanning canaliculi and fenestrations. Cellular components involved in transcellular mechanisms of BBB disruption are being discovered and measured, adding to our classic knowledge based on ultrastructural studies.
EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
William A. Banks, Pericles Calias, Kim M. Hansen, Kristin M. Bullock, Kory Engelke
Summary: This study evaluated the uptake and distribution of kleptose in the brain and spinal cord after intranasal and intrathecal delivery. The results showed that intrathecal delivery resulted in higher distribution in the brain compared to intranasal delivery.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Rachel C. Knopp, Michelle A. Erickson, Elizabeth M. Rhea, May J. Reed, William A. Banks
Summary: The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an important interface that regulates communication between the brain and blood. It is comprised of brain endothelial cells and is surrounded by supportive brain cell types. Recent studies have shown that the BBB undergoes dysfunction during aging and in diseases, and cellular senescence, one of the hallmarks of aging, is believed to play a role in these changes. This review summarizes the known age-related changes at the BBB, evaluates the impact of cellular senescence in neurodegenerative diseases, discusses insights from in vitro and in vivo studies, and explores mechanisms by which cellular senescence affects BBB function.
EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Subhashis Banerjee, Sarbani Ghoshal, Clemence Girardet, Kelly M. DeMars, Changjun Yang, Michael L. Niehoff, Andrew D. Nguyen, Prerana Jayanth, Brittany A. Hoelscher, Fenglian Xu, William A. Banks, Kim M. Hansen, Jinsong Zhang, Eduardo Candelario-Jalil, Susan A. Farr, Andrew A. Butler
Summary: Studies have shown that adropin is highly expressed in the human brain and plays a crucial role in neural network development and function. In elderly individuals, adropin is positively correlated with genes related to mitochondrial function, morphogenesis, and inflammation, while cognitive decline can be reversed by increasing adropin expression.
NPJ AGING AND MECHANISMS OF DISEASE
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
William A. Banks, May J. Reed, Aric F. Logsdon, Elizabeth M. Rhea, Michelle A. Erickson
Summary: The blood-brain barrier undergoes changes in morphology and function during healthy aging, affecting communication and homeostatic regulation between the brain and peripheral tissues, and potentially predisposing to age-related diseases.
