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Reconstruction of the Blood-Brain Barrier In Vitro to Model and Therapeutically Target Neurological Disease
Published on: October 20, 2023
Neuron-glial interactions in blood-brain barrier formation
Swati Banerjee1, Manzoor A Bhat
1Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Curriculum in Neurobiology, Neurodevelopmental Disorders Research Center, UNC-Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7545, USA. swati_banerjee@med.unc.edu
This review explores how neurons and glial cells interact to form the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in invertebrates and vertebrates. In invertebrates, these interactions are central to BBB function. In vertebrates, neurons, glial cells, and endothelial cells work together. The BBB protects the brain but can hinder drug delivery. Understanding these interactions could improve treatment strategies for neurological disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neurobiology of barrier systems
- Comparative neurophysiology
- Blood-brain barrier research in clinical neuroscience
Background:
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) evolved to preserve the microenvironment of highly excitable neuronal cells. It allows for action potential generation and propagation. Prior research has shown that this barrier is crucial for nervous system function across species. However, gaps remain in understanding how neuron-glial interactions contribute to BBB formation. In invertebrates, neurons and glial cells establish a functional BBB. In vertebrates, BBB formation involves neurons, glial cells, and endothelial cells. This gap motivated a review of neuron-glial interactions in BBB development. The evolutionary shift from glial-based barriers to endothelial-based barriers is not fully understood.
Purpose Of The Study:
This study aimed to review neuron-glial interactions in BBB formation across invertebrates and vertebrates. It sought to compare the roles of glial cells in invertebrates with those in vertebrates. The authors focused on how these interactions evolved over time. They also aimed to clarify the clinical relevance of BBB function. The BBB's protective role can hinder drug delivery to the brain. Understanding this could improve treatment strategies for neurological disorders. The review synthesizes current knowledge on BBB formation mechanisms. It highlights the transition from glial-based to endothelial-based barriers.
Main Methods:
The authors conducted a literature review on BBB formation in invertebrates and vertebrates. They analyzed molecular interactions between neurons and glial cells. They compared invertebrate and vertebrate BBB systems to identify evolutionary changes. They examined the role of endothelial cells in vertebrate BBB formation. They synthesized findings from studies on glial-neuron communication. They evaluated how BBB function affects drug delivery. They identified clinical implications of BBB dysfunction. The review approach focused on evolutionary and functional perspectives.
Main Results:
In invertebrates, neurons and glial cells form a functional BBB. In vertebrates, BBB formation involves neurons, glial cells, and endothelial cells. The evolutionary perspective suggests a transition from glial-based to endothelial-based barriers. Neuron-glial interactions are central to BBB formation in invertebrates. Endothelial cells play a key role in vertebrate BBB function. BBB function is critical for maintaining brain homeostasis. The BBB's protective role can limit drug access to the brain. This limitation is a challenge in treating neurological disorders.
Conclusions:
The study synthesizes evidence on neuron-glial interactions in BBB formation. It highlights differences between invertebrate and vertebrate BBB systems. The evolutionary shift from glial-based to endothelial-based barriers is proposed. Neuron-glial interactions are essential in invertebrates. Endothelial cells coordinate BBB formation in vertebrates. The BBB's protective function can hinder drug delivery. Clinical relevance is emphasized in neurological disorder treatment. These findings suggest the need for further research on BBB modulation strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
In invertebrates, neuron-glial interactions are central to forming a functional blood-brain barrier.
In vertebrates, glial cells coordinate with neurons and endothelial cells to form the BBB.
The BBB's protective role limits drug access to the brain, making treatment of neurological disorders difficult.
Endothelial cells coordinate BBB formation in vertebrates alongside neurons and glial cells.
BBB dysfunction can hinder drug delivery to the brain, impacting treatment of neurological disorders.
The study suggests an evolutionary shift from glial-based to endothelial-based BBB systems.
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