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Synergistic induction of blood-brain barrier properties

ABSTRACT: Blood–brain barrier (BBB) models derived from human stem cells are powerful tools to improve our understanding of cerebrovascular diseases and to facilitate drug development for the human brain. Yet providing stem cell–derived endothelial cells with the right signaling cues to acquire BBB characteristics while also retaining their vascular identity remains challenging. Here, we show that the simultaneous activation of cyclic AMP and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and inhibition of the TGF-β pathway in endothelial cells robustly induce BBB properties in vitro. To target this interaction, we present a small-molecule cocktail named cARLA, which synergistically enhances barrier tightness in a range of BBB models across species. Mechanistically, we reveal that the three pathways converge on Wnt/β-catenin signaling to mediate the effect of cARLA via the tight junction protein claudin-5. We demonstrate that cARLA shifts the gene expressional profile of human stem cell–derived endothelial cells toward the in vivo brain endothelial signature, with a higher glycocalyx density and efflux pump activity, lower rates of endocytosis, and a characteristic endothelial response to proinflammatory cytokines. Finally, we illustrate how cARLA can improve the predictive value of human BBB models regarding the brain penetration of drugs and targeted nanoparticles. Due to its synergistic effect, high reproducibility, and ease of use, cARLA has the potential to advance drug development for the human brain by improving BBB models across laboratories.

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE224846 | GEO | 2024/04/18

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:Rationale. The microvasculature of the central nervous system includes the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which regulates the permeability to nutrients and restricts the passage of toxic agents and inflammatory cells. Canonical Wnt/b-catenin signaling is responsible for the early phases of brain vascularization and blood-brain barrier differentiation. However, this signal declines after birth and other signaling pathways able to maintain barrier integrity at postnatal stage are still unknown. Objective. Sox17 constitutes a major downstream target of Wnt/b-catenin in endothelial cells and regulates arterial differentiation. In the present paper, we asked whether Sox17 may act downstream of Wnt/b-catenin in inducing BBB differentiation and maintenance. Methods and Results. Using reporter mice and nuclear staining of Sox17 and b-catenin, we report that while b-catenin signaling declines after birth, Sox17 activation increases and remains high in the adult. Endothelial-specific inactivation of Sox17 leads to increase of permeability of the brain microcirculation. The severity of this effect depends on the degree of BBB maturation: it is strong in the embryo, and progressively declines after birth. In search of Sox17 mechanism of action, RNA-Seq analysis of gene expression of brain endothelial cells has identified members of the Wnt/b-catenin signaling pathway as downstream targets of Sox17. Consistently, we found that Sox17 is a positive inducer of Wnt/b-catenin signaling and it acts in concert with this pathway to induce and maintain BBB properties. In vivo, inhibition of the b-catenin destruction complex or expression of a degradation-resistant b-catenin mutant, prevent the increase in permeability and retina vascular malformations observed in the absence of Sox17. Conclusions. Our data highlight a novel role for Sox17 in the induction and maintenance of the BBB and they underline the strict reciprocal tuning of this transcription factor and Wnt/b-catenin pathway. Modulation of Sox17 activity may be relevant to control BBB permeability in pathological conditions.

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Synergistic induction of blood-brain barrier properties

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