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Updated: Feb 23, 2026
A High Output Method to Isolate Cerebral Pericytes from Mouse
Published on: January 14, 2020
Macrophages Generate Pericytes in the Developing Brain
Pedro H D M Prazeres1, Viviani M Almeida1, Luiza Lousado1
1Department of Pathology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Abstract:
Pericytes are defined by their anatomical location encircling blood vessels' walls with their long projections. The exact embryonic sources of cerebral pericytes remain poorly understood, especially because of their recently revealed diversity. Yamamoto et al. (Sci Rep 7(1):3855, 2017) using state-of-the-art techniques, including several transgenic mice models, reveal that a subpopulation of brain pericytes are derived from phagocytic macrophages during vascular development. This work highlights a new possible ancestor of brain pericytes. The emerging knowledge from this research may provide new approaches for the treatment of several neurodevelopmental disorders in the future.
Insights
Brain pericyte origins are clarified: a subpopulation arises from phagocytic macrophages during development. This discovery offers new insights into neurodevelopmental disorders and potential therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Neuroscience
- Cell biology
Background:
- Pericytes are crucial cells ensheathing cerebral blood vessels, but their embryonic origins are not fully understood.
- Recent findings reveal pericyte diversity, prompting further investigation into their developmental sources.
- Understanding pericyte origins is key to addressing neurodevelopmental disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the embryonic origins of diverse brain pericyte subpopulations.
- To identify potential precursor cells for cerebral pericytes during vascular development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized advanced techniques, including multiple transgenic mouse models.
- Employed state-of-the-art methodologies for cell lineage tracing and analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified a subpopulation of brain pericytes originating from phagocytic macrophages.
- Demonstrated a novel developmental pathway for a subset of cerebral pericytes.
- Revealed phagocytic macrophages as a potential precursor for brain pericytes.
Conclusions:
- Phagocytic macrophages represent a newly identified source of brain pericytes.
- This finding expands our understanding of cerebral vascular development.
- The research may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches for neurodevelopmental disorders.
