Modulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling promotes blood-brain barrier phenotype in cultured brain endothelial cells.

ABSTRACT: Wnt/β-catenin signaling is important for blood-brain barrier (BBB) development and is implicated in BBB breakdown under various pathophysiological conditions. In the present study, a comprehensive characterization of the relevant genes, transport and permeability processes influenced by both the autocrine and external activation of Wnt signaling in human brain endothelial cells was examined using hCMEC/D3 culture model. The hCMEC/D3 expressed a full complement of Wnt ligands and receptors. Preventing Wnt ligand release from hCMEC/D3 produced minimal changes in brain endothelial function, while inhibition of intrinsic/autocrine Wnt/β-catenin activity through blocking β-catenin binding to Wnt transcription factor caused more modest changes. In contrast, activation of Wnt signaling using exog

SUBMITTER: Laksitorini MD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6928218 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature