The secreted neuronal signal Spock1 regulates the blood-brain barrier
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ABSTRACT: The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a unique set of properties of the brain vasculature which severely restricts its permeability to proteins and small molecules. Classic chick-quail chimera studies showed that these properties are not intrinsic to the brain vasculature but rather are induced by surrounding neural tissue. Here we identify Spock1 as a candidate neuronal signal for regulating BBB permeability in zebrafish and mice. Mosaic genetic analysis shows that neuronally-expressed Spock1 is cell non-autonomously required for a functional BBB. Leakage in spock1 mutants is associated with altered extracellular matrix (ECM), increased endothelial transcytosis, and altered pericyte-endothelial interactions. Furthermore, a single dose of recombinant SPOCK1 into spock1 mutants quenches gelatinase activity, restores vascular expression of BBB genes including mcamb, and partially restores barrier function. These analyses support a model in which neuronally secreted Spock1 induces BBB properties by altering the ECM, thereby regulating pericyte-endothelial interactions and downstream vascular gene expression.
ORGANISM(S): Danio rerio
PROVIDER: GSE230236 | GEO | 2023/05/01
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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