The neurovascular unit (NVU) is a functional unit composed of endothelial cells (ECs), pericytes, astrocytes, neurons, and possibly other glial cells (microglia and oligodendroglia). The crosstalk between these cell types within NVU contributes to the maintenance of central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. Brain ECs maintain the integrity of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) by protecting the brain from pathogens and restricting access of circulatory factors. ECs expressing numerous transporters at the BBB regulate the transport and metabolism of substances from blood to brain, while abnormal regulation may lead to cerebral dysfunction and diseases. ECs also modulate a broad variety of neural response via secreted molecules. The integration of the active role of endothelial cells in the development and maintenance of neuronal function is important to obtain novel insights of the CNS complexity.
The aim of this Research Topic is to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances and promising research trends about the implication of ECs in brain development and function regulation and to better understand crosstalk between endothelial cells and neural cells in the processes such as neurogenesis, neuronal migration, neuromorphogenesis, synaptogenesis as well as neuronal excitability maintenance and neural networks coordination. Another important topic is how the endothelial biology is involved in neuropathological conditions such as neurodegenerative disorders and stroke.
In this research topic we encourage submission of reviews, original research papers and methods papers covering various processes of endothelial biology in the brain up to their implication for neuronal development and brain function regulation under physiological and pathological conditions. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:
The role of EC-derived signals
The role of ECs in the etiopathogenesis of brain disorders
Transporters in ECs
EC-based therapy
Vascular network and neural network communication
Endothelial biology in neurodegenerative disorder/stroke
Neurovascular diseases
The neurovascular unit (NVU) is a functional unit composed of endothelial cells (ECs), pericytes, astrocytes, neurons, and possibly other glial cells (microglia and oligodendroglia). The crosstalk between these cell types within NVU contributes to the maintenance of central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. Brain ECs maintain the integrity of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) by protecting the brain from pathogens and restricting access of circulatory factors. ECs expressing numerous transporters at the BBB regulate the transport and metabolism of substances from blood to brain, while abnormal regulation may lead to cerebral dysfunction and diseases. ECs also modulate a broad variety of neural response via secreted molecules. The integration of the active role of endothelial cells in the development and maintenance of neuronal function is important to obtain novel insights of the CNS complexity.
The aim of this Research Topic is to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances and promising research trends about the implication of ECs in brain development and function regulation and to better understand crosstalk between endothelial cells and neural cells in the processes such as neurogenesis, neuronal migration, neuromorphogenesis, synaptogenesis as well as neuronal excitability maintenance and neural networks coordination. Another important topic is how the endothelial biology is involved in neuropathological conditions such as neurodegenerative disorders and stroke.
In this research topic we encourage submission of reviews, original research papers and methods papers covering various processes of endothelial biology in the brain up to their implication for neuronal development and brain function regulation under physiological and pathological conditions. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:
The role of EC-derived signals
The role of ECs in the etiopathogenesis of brain disorders
Transporters in ECs
EC-based therapy
Vascular network and neural network communication
Endothelial biology in neurodegenerative disorder/stroke
Neurovascular diseases