Retina-specific targeting of pericytes reveals structural diversity and enables control of capillary blood flow.

ABSTRACT: Pericytes are a unique class of mural cells essential for angiogenesis, maintenance of the vasculature and are key players in microvascular pathology. However, their diversity and specific roles are poorly understood, limiting our insight into vascular physiology and the ability to develop effective therapies. Here, in the mouse retina, a tractable model of the CNS, we evaluated distinct classes of mural cells along the vascular tree for both structural characterization and physiological manipulation of blood flow. To accomplish this, we first tested three inducible mural cell-specific mouse lines using a sensitive Ai14 reporter and tamoxifen application either by a systemic injection, or by local administration in the form of eye drops. The specificity and pattern of cre activation varied

SUBMITTER: Ivanova E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7867582 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature