Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 5, 2025
04:08
Author Spotlight: Optimizing the Neurovascular Development of Human Brain Organoid in Chick Embryo
Published on: February 16, 2024
1.7K
Signaling Pathways in Neurovascular Development
Amir Rattner1, Yanshu Wang1,2, Jeremy Nathans1,2,3
1Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States;
Annual Review of Neuroscience
|July 8, 2022
Summary
Neurons and glia guide central nervous system (CNS) vascular development and blood-brain barrier formation through signaling pathways. Key regulators include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and beta-catenin (canonical Wnt) signaling.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) vasculature development precisely matches neuronal and glial metabolic needs.
- The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a unique property of CNS vasculature, restricting passive molecular diffusion.
- Both CNS vascular development and BBB formation are regulated by signals from neurons and glia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the nature and mechanisms of signaling molecules controlling CNS vascular development.
- To emphasize the roles of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and beta-catenin (canonical Wnt) signaling.
- To highlight foundational discoveries, signaling interactions, and clinical relevance in CNS vascular research.
Main Methods:
- Review of foundational discoveries in CNS vascular development.
- Integration of genetic and cell biological studies.
- Analysis of signaling pathways, including VEGF and canonical Wnt.
Main Results:
- Identified neuronal and glial signals that control CNS vascular growth and blood-brain barrier properties.
- Detailed the mechanisms of action for key signaling pathways, particularly VEGF and beta-catenin.
- Highlighted interactions between different signaling systems regulating CNS vascularization.
Conclusions:
- Neuronal and glial signaling are critical for establishing the unique CNS vasculature and blood-brain barrier.
- VEGF and beta-catenin (canonical Wnt) signaling are pivotal in CNS vascular development.
- Understanding these pathways offers insights into clinical applications and future research directions.
Related Concept Videos
03:14Notch Signaling Pathway
4.4K
The Notch signaling pathway is a major intracellular signaling pathway that is highly conserved over a broad spectrum of metazoan species. It stands unique from other intracellular signaling mechanisms in animals because notch protein itself acts as the receptor as well as the primary signaling molecule.
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not...
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not...
4.4K
01:24Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
2.7K
Rapidly dividing tumors, embryos, and wounded tissues require more oxygen than usual, lowering the oxygen concentration in the blood. At low oxygen or hypoxic conditions, an oxygen-sensitive transcription factor called the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 or HIF1 is activated. HIF1 is a dimeric protein of alpha (ɑ) and beta (β) subunits. Under optimal oxygen conditions, HIF1β is present in the nucleus while HIF1ɑ remains in the cytosol. HIF1ɑ is hydroxylated by prolyl...
2.7K
01:19Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
6.4K
Signaling cascades usually lack linearity. Multiple pathways interact and regulate one another, allowing cells to integrate and respond to diverse environmental stimuli.
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
6.4K
01:22Diversity in Cell Signaling Responses
6.7K
The physiological function of a cell and cellular communication are outcomes of a range of extrinsic signals, intracellular signaling pathways, and cellular responses. No two cell types express the same repertoire of signaling components. Receptors are highly selective for their cognate ligands, but once activated, they can alter multiple cellular processes such as DNA transcription, protein synthesis, and metabolic activity.
Graded and Abrupt Responses
Some signaling systems generate...
Graded and Abrupt Responses
Some signaling systems generate...
6.7K
01:10Mechanism of Angiogenesis
5.8K
Blood vessel formation starts early during embryonic development, around day 7. In the extraembryonic yolk sac, mesodermal precursor cells called hemangioblast proliferate and differentiate into angioblast. Angioblasts express vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 or VEGFR2, which binds VEGF-A, a proangiogenic factor, guiding blood vessel formation. VEGF signaling promotes angioblasts to form a blood island in the developing embryo. Angioblasts further differentiate, giving rise to...
5.8K
01:21Paracrine Signaling
55.6K
Paracrine signaling allows cells to communicate with their immediate neighbors via secretion of signaling molecules. Such a signal can only trigger a response in nearby target cells because the signal molecules degrade quickly or are inactivated if not taken up. Prominent examples of paracrine signaling include nitric oxide signaling in blood vessels, synaptic signaling of neurons, the blood clotting system, tissue repair/wound healing, and local allergic skin reactions. Nitric oxide as a...
55.6K