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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
3D Visualization of Retinal Vascular Pericytes in Mice by Immunostaining
Published on: November 1, 2024
Microarray analysis of blood microvessels from PDGF-B and PDGF-Rbeta mutant mice identifies novel markers for brain
Cecilia Bondjers1, Liqun He, Minoru Takemoto
1Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract:
Normal blood microvessels are lined by pericytes, which contribute to microvessel development and stability through mechanisms that are poorly understood. Pericyte deficiency has been implicated in the pathogenesis of microvascular abnormalities associated with diabetes and tumors. However, the unambiguous identification of pericytes is still a problem because of cellular heterogeneity and few available molecular markers. Here we describe an approach to identify pericyte markers based on transcription profiling of pericyte-deficient brain microvessels isolated from platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-B)-/- and PDGF beta receptor (PDGFRbeta)-/- mouse mutants. The approach was validated by the identification of known pericyte markers among the most down-regulated genes in PDGF-B-/- and PDGFRbeta-/- microvessels. Of candidates for novel pericyte markers, we selected ATP-sensitive potassium-channel Kir6.1 (also known as Kcnj8) and sulfonylurea receptor 2, (SUR2, also known as Abcc9), both part of the same channel complex, as well as delta homologue 1 (DLK1) for in situ hybridization, which demonstrated their specific expression in brain pericytes of mouse embryos. We also show that Kir6.1 is highly expressed in pericytes in brain but undetectable in pericytes in skin and heart. The three new brain pericyte markers are signaling molecules implicated in ion transport and intercellular signaling, potentially opening new windows on pericyte function in brain microvessels.
Insights
Researchers identified novel molecular markers for brain pericytes, crucial cells for microvessel development. This discovery aids in understanding microvascular diseases like diabetes and tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Vascular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Pericytes are essential for microvessel development and stability, but their identification is challenging due to cellular heterogeneity and lack of specific markers.
- Pericyte deficiency is linked to microvascular abnormalities in diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel molecular markers for brain pericytes.
- To understand the role of pericytes in microvessel development and stability.
Main Methods:
- Transcription profiling of pericyte-deficient brain microvessels from PDGF-B-/- and PDGFRbeta-/- mouse mutants.
- In situ hybridization to validate the expression of candidate markers.
Main Results:
- Identified ATP-sensitive potassium-channel Kir6.1 (Kcnj8), sulfonylurea receptor 2 (SUR2, Abcc9), and delta homologue 1 (DLK1) as novel brain pericyte markers.
- Demonstrated specific expression of these markers in embryonic mouse brain pericytes.
- Showed Kir6.1 expression is specific to brain pericytes, unlike in skin or heart pericytes.
Conclusions:
- Kir6.1, SUR2, and DLK1 are reliable markers for brain pericytes.
- These markers are signaling molecules involved in ion and intercellular communication, offering new insights into brain pericyte function.
