Astrocyte-Endothelial Interactions at the Blood-Brain Barrier, 2nd Edition
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2025 | Viewed by 4252
Special Issue Editor
Interests: inflammation; cytokine network; sirtuins; endothelial signaling; human placenta; stem cells; pathophysiology of diabetes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The blood–brain barrier (BBB), which is formed by the brain microvascular endothelial cells penetrating the brain and spinal cord of most mammals and other organisms with a well-developed CNS. Maintaining direct contact with the brain tissue astrocytes, help form a BBB by secreting chemicals that regulate how capillary endothelial cells transfer substances into the CNS from the blood. Thus, astrocyte-endothelial interactions are crucial for a precisely adjustable mechanism responsible for reliable neuronal signaling within the functional neurovascular unit. Specific interactions between the brain endothelium and astrocytes are achieved through secretion of various cytokines. In addition to tight junctions between endothelial cells, the BBB shields the brain against toxins and immune cells via paracellular, transcellular, transporter, and extracellular matrix proteins. All together making a significant contribution to ensuring a brain homeostasis. Comprehensive understanding of these complex mechanisms in health and disease can bring tangible results. The results of currently conducted intensive research are promising, especially in the field of new neuroprotective drug development with high CNS bioavailability. This is particularly important in view of the rapid growth in the incidence of neurodegenerative disorders.
This Special Issue is dedicated to all aspects of interactions between endothelial cells and astrocytes in health and disease at the level of the blood–brain barrier. When considering your submission, please keep in mind that IJMS is a journal of molecular science. However, submissions of clinical studies with biomolecular experiments or pathological research with case sample data are welcomed.
More published papers could be found in the closed Special Issue: Astrocyte-Endothelial Interactions at the Blood-Brain Barrier.
Prof. Dr. Dariusz Szukiewicz
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- blood–brain barrier (BBB)
- astrocyte–endothelial interactions
- cytokine signaling
- astrocytic modulation
- brain microvascular endothelial cells
- chemokine receptors
- BBB permeability
- BBB dysfunction
- BBB pharmacokinetics
- cerebrovascular disease
- oxidative stress
- BBB models
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