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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
06:49
A High Output Method to Isolate Cerebral Pericytes from Mouse
Published on: January 14, 2020
Cell fusion contributes to pericyte formation after stroke
Marina Piquer-Gil1, José M García-Verdugo, Ivan Zipancic
1Laboratory of Cellular Regeneration, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain.
Summary
Cell fusion, not previously understood, forms pericytes from bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) after stroke. This discovery sheds light on vascular repair mechanisms in the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Vascular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) are known to contribute to post-stroke vasculature.
- The precise mechanism of mural cell formation from BMDCs is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of pericyte formation from BMDCs after stroke.
- To provide direct evidence for the role of cell fusion in this process.
Main Methods:
- Generation of mouse bone marrow chimeras using a cre/lox system for fusion detection.
- X-gal staining to identify fusion events.
- Immunohistochemistry for pericyte markers (vimentin, desmin, NG2).
- Electron microscopy to confirm cell characteristics.
Main Results:
- Detected X-gal-positive cells expressing mature pericyte markers (vimentin, desmin).
- Electron microscopy confirmed fused cells exhibited pericyte features and basal lamina.
- Stroke induction significantly increased the presence of fused cells in the ischemic area, expressing NG2.
Conclusions:
- Cell fusion actively participates in pericyte formation from BMDCs.
- This mechanism contributes to vascular tissue generation under both normal and stroke conditions.
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