Transcryptomic Analysis of Human Brain-Microvascular Endothelial Response to -Pericytes: Cell Orientation Defines Barrier Function.

ABSTRACT: Pericytes facilitate blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity; however, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. Hence, using co-cultures of human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular pericytes (PCs) in different spatial arrangements, as well as PC conditioned media, we investigated the impact of PC-EC orientation and PC-derived soluble factors on EC barrier function. We provide the first evidence that barrier-inducing properties of PCs require basolateral contact with ECs. Gene expression analysis (GEA) in ECs co-cultured with PCs versus ECs alone showed significant upregulation of 38 genes and downregulation of 122 genes. Pathway enrichment analysis of modulated genes showed significant regulation of several pathways, including transforming growth factor-β and interleuki

SUBMITTER: Kurmann L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8074760 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature