Implicating endothelial cell senescence to dysfunction in the ageing and diseased brain

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cell Biology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Cerebrovascular endothelial cells (CECs) form the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and are crucial for neurovascular coupling.
• CEC dysfunction contributes to aging and cerebrovascular diseases, causing BBB permeability and impaired cerebral blood flow regulation.
• Cellular senescence, a state of irreversible growth arrest with a pro-inflammatory secretory phenotype, is implicated in CEC dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the molecular mechanisms of CEC dysfunction.
• To explore the link between CEC dysfunction and cellular senescence.
• To discuss the role of CEC senescence in age-related cerebrovascular dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on CECs, BBB, NVU, and cellular senescence.
• Analysis of molecular changes associated with CEC dysfunction.
• Examination of evidence linking endothelial cell senescence to aging and cardiovascular disease.

Main Results:

• CEC dysfunction shares molecular characteristics with senescent cells.
• Evidence suggests endothelial cell senescence occurs in aging and cardiovascular disease.
• CEC senescence is a potential contributor to age-related cerebrovascular dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• CEC dysfunction in aging and disease may involve cellular senescence.
• Understanding CEC senescence is key to addressing age-related cerebrovascular decline.
• Further research into CEC senescence could reveal therapeutic targets for cerebrovascular disorders.