Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
06:19
Reconstruction of the Blood-Brain Barrier In Vitro to Model and Therapeutically Target Neurological Disease
Published on: October 20, 2023
Cellular and signalling mechanisms that regulate the blood-brain barrier
Joseph Amick1, Ludmila Gordon1, Chenghua Gu2
1Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology
|July 20, 2026
Summary
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) controls brain molecular traffic, maintaining neuronal health. Understanding BBB biology and its defects is key for developing new central nervous system (CNS) therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a specialized endothelial barrier in the central nervous system (CNS) crucial for brain homeostasis.
- The BBB regulates molecular transport, protecting the brain but also limiting drug delivery.
- BBB dysfunction is implicated in various neurological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the distinct features of CNS capillary endothelial cells forming the BBB.
- To examine the roles of cellular interactions and molecular regulators in BBB formation and maintenance.
- To highlight emerging research areas and therapeutic strategies targeting the BBB.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on BBB biology, cellular interactions, and molecular regulation.
- Discussion of recent technological advancements in BBB research.
- Analysis of how BBB insights inform therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- CNS capillary endothelial cells possess unique characteristics that define the BBB.
- Interactions with pericytes, astrocytes, and the basement membrane are vital for BBB integrity.
- Molecular regulators and signaling pathways establish the BBB as a dynamic and selective interface.
Conclusions:
- The BBB is a complex, dynamic interface shaped by intricate cellular and molecular interactions.
- Emerging research on BBB heterogeneity and new technologies are advancing our understanding.
- Insights into BBB biology are crucial for developing targeted CNS therapies.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
00:49The Blood-brain Barrier
Overview
01:25Physiological Barriers
Physiological barriers are semi-permeable cellular structures restricting drug diffusion into intracellular compartments and tissues. There are six types of physiological barriers: blood endothelial, cell membrane, blood-brain, blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood-placenta, and blood-testis barriers.
The blood endothelial barrier is the most porous of these. It allows all small ionized, un-ionized, and lipophilic molecules to pass through the endothelial lining into the interstitial space...
The blood endothelial barrier is the most porous of these. It allows all small ionized, un-ionized, and lipophilic molecules to pass through the endothelial lining into the interstitial space...
01:23Factors Affecting Drug Distribution: Physiological Barriers
Drug distribution in the body is intricately regulated by various physiological barriers that control the passage of substances. These include the capillary endothelial barrier, the blood-brain, blood-cerebrospinal fluid, blood-placental, and blood-testis barriers.
The capillary endothelial barrier allows only smaller molecules below 600 Da (Daltons) to pass through. It also restricts drugs like heparin that are bound to blood components, limiting their movement within the bloodstream.
The...
The capillary endothelial barrier allows only smaller molecules below 600 Da (Daltons) to pass through. It also restricts drugs like heparin that are bound to blood components, limiting their movement within the bloodstream.
The...
01:23Transcellular Transport of Solutes
Transcellular transport of solutes is the movement of substances like monosaccharides and amino acids through polarized cells. This transport mechanism is primarily seen in epithelial and endothelial cells aided by membrane transport proteins such as channels and transporters. The tight junctions between these cells confine the membrane proteins to the two sides of the cell. The epithelial cells have distinct apical and basolateral domains. In contrast, the endothelial cells show the luminal...
01:22Gut-Brain Axis
The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...