Brain pericytes serve as microglia-generating multipotent vascular stem cells following ischemic stroke
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Updated: Mar 24, 2026
A High Output Method to Isolate Cerebral Pericytes from Mouse
Published on: January 14, 2020
Rika Sakuma1, Maiko Kawahara2,3, Akiko Nakano-Doi4
1Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawacho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan. sakuma27@hyo-med.ac.jp.
Background:
Microglia are the resident macrophage population of the central nervous system (CNS) and play essential roles, particularly in inflammation-mediated pathological conditions such as ischemic stroke. Increasing evidence shows that the population of vascular cells located around the blood vessels, rather than circulating cells, harbor stem cells and that these resident vascular stem cells (VSCs) are the likely source of some microglia. However, the precise traits and origins of these cells under pathological CNS conditions remain unclear.
Methods:
In this study, we used a mouse model of cerebral infarction to investigate whether reactive pericytes (PCs) acquire microglia-producing VSC activity following ischemia.
Results:
We demonstrated the localization of ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1)-expressing microglia to perivascular regions within ischemic areas. These cells expressed platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFRβ), a hallmark of vascular PCs. PDGFRβ(+) PCs isolated from ischemic, but not non-ischemic, areas expressed stem/undifferentiated cell markers and subsequently differentiated into various cell types, including microglia-like cells with phagocytic capacity.
Conclusions:
The study results suggest that vascular PCs acquire multipotent VSC activity under pathological conditions and may thus be a novel source of microglia.
Insights
Following ischemic stroke, vascular pericytes (PCs) gain stem cell activity and can generate microglia, offering new insights into central nervous system (CNS) repair and inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Stem Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Microglia are key immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS), crucial in conditions like ischemic stroke.
- Resident vascular stem cells (VSCs) near blood vessels are implicated as a source of microglia, but their role in pathology is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if reactive pericytes (PCs) develop microglia-producing VSC activity after cerebral infarction in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mouse model of cerebral infarction.
- Examined perivascular microglia and pericytes (PDGFRβ+) in ischemic and non-ischemic brain areas.
- Assessed stem cell markers and differentiation potential of isolated pericytes.
Main Results:
- Microglia (Iba1+) were found in perivascular regions of ischemic areas and expressed PDGFRβ, a pericyte marker.
- Pericytes (PDGFRβ+) from ischemic regions, but not non-ischemic ones, showed stem cell markers.
- Isolated pericytes from ischemic areas differentiated into microglia-like cells with phagocytic capabilities.
Conclusions:
- Vascular pericytes (PCs) acquire multipotent VSC activity under pathological CNS conditions.
- Pericytes represent a potential novel source of microglia following ischemic events.
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