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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: closed (20 April 2025) | Viewed by 3879

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Department of Biophysics, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, Chalubinskiego 5 (4th Floor), 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: inflammation; cytokine network; sirtuins; endothelial signaling; human placenta; stem cells; pathophysiology of diabetes
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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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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

21 pages, 2755 KiB  
Review
The Triad of Blood–Brain Barrier Integrity: Endothelial Cells, Astrocytes, and Pericytes in Perinatal Stroke Pathophysiology
by Tania Garcia-Martínez, Denise G. Gornatti, Marina Ortiz, Guillem Cañellas, Damià Heine-Suñer and Cristòfol Vives-Bauzà
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 1886; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26051886 - 22 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1450
Abstract
Pediatric stroke, a significant cause of long-term neurological deficits in children, often arises from disruptions within neurovascular unit (NVU) components. The NVU, a dynamic ensemble of astrocytes, endothelial cells, pericytes, and microglia, is vital for maintaining cerebral homeostasis and regulating vascular brain development. [...] Read more.
Pediatric stroke, a significant cause of long-term neurological deficits in children, often arises from disruptions within neurovascular unit (NVU) components. The NVU, a dynamic ensemble of astrocytes, endothelial cells, pericytes, and microglia, is vital for maintaining cerebral homeostasis and regulating vascular brain development. Its structural integrity, particularly at the blood–brain barrier (BBB), depends on intercellular junctions and the basement membrane, which together restrict paracellular transport and shield the brain from systemic insults. Dysfunction in this intricate system is increasingly linked to pediatric stroke and related cerebrovascular conditions. Mutations disrupting endothelial cell adhesion or pericyte–endothelial interactions can compromise BBB stability, leading to pathological outcomes such as intraventricular hemorrhage in the germinal matrix, a hallmark of vascular brain immaturity. Additionally, inflammation, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy are key cellular processes influencing brain damage and repair. Excessive activation of these mechanisms can exacerbate NVU injury, whereas targeted therapeutic modulation offers potential pathways to mitigate damage and support recovery. This review explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying NVU dysfunction, BBB disruption, and subsequent brain injury in pediatric stroke. Understanding the interplay between genetic mutations, environmental stressors, and NVU dynamics provides new insights into stroke pathogenesis. The susceptibility of the germinal matrix to vascular rupture further emphasizes the critical role of NVU integrity in early brain development. Targeting inflammatory pathways and cell death mechanisms presents promising strategies to preserve NVU function and improve outcomes for affected neonates. Full article
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20 pages, 1005 KiB  
Review
The Involvement of Glial Cells in Blood–Brain Barrier Damage in Neuroimmune Diseases
by Satoshi Nagata and Ryo Yamasaki
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 12323; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252212323 - 17 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1664
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier and glial cells, particularly astrocytes, interact with each other in neuroimmune diseases. In the inflammatory environment typical of these diseases, alterations in vascular endothelial cell surface molecules and weakened cell connections allow immune cells and autoantibodies to enter the central [...] Read more.
The blood–brain barrier and glial cells, particularly astrocytes, interact with each other in neuroimmune diseases. In the inflammatory environment typical of these diseases, alterations in vascular endothelial cell surface molecules and weakened cell connections allow immune cells and autoantibodies to enter the central nervous system. Glial cells influence the adhesion of endothelial cells by changing their morphology and releasing various signaling molecules. Multiple sclerosis has been the most studied disease in relation to vascular endothelial and glial cell interactions, but these cells also significantly affect the onset and severity of other neuroimmune conditions, including demyelinating and inflammatory diseases. In this context, we present an overview of these interactions and highlight how they vary across different neuroimmune diseases. Full article
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