Astrocytes form tight junctions to organize blood brain barrier

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K15092
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 44010:Cell biology-related
• Research Institution: Teikyo University
• Principal Investigator: Tanaka Hiroo 帝京大学, 医学部, 助教 (70795905)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 生体バリア / 血液脳関門 / 細胞間バリア / タイトジャンクション / クローディン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is known as one of the most robust barrier systems in living organisms. It is known that in BBB, tight junctions (TJs) seal the gaps between brain endothelial cells, functioning as a strong intercellular barrier. In this research, we have discovered that astrocytes, mesenchymal cells that thoroughly cover the surroundings of cerebral blood vessels, potentially construct TJs under neuropathological conditions, thereby strengthening the BBB. This research has revealed new evidence for the regulation of astrocyte-based BBB organization, providing novel strategic interventions for the BBB in neurological disorders.

Free Research Field

細胞生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究により、従来の脳血管内皮細胞を中心としてきたBBBの構築/制御原理に新機軸を生み出し、神経疾患に対する新規治療戦略の提示や、脳内へのドラッグデリバリーシステムの開発基盤の開拓につながった。また、クローディンを含む様々なTJ関連分子による細胞間バリア構築制御メカニズムも明らかにでき、TJの多様性構築原理の理解につながった。