About this Research Topic
The neurovascular unit (NVU), formed by the interaction of neurons, astrocytes, pericytes, microglia and endothelial cells, is of vital importance in maintaining brain function and homeostasis. The NVU not only regulates blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and cerebral blood flow (CBF), but also maintains the brain's micro-environment for normal functioning, neuronal survival, and information processing. Although plethora of studies have investigated the role of cerebrovascular dysfunction in several neurodegenerative diseases and brain pathologies, the precise mechanisms by which neurovascular dysfunction contributes to neurodegeneration remains elusive. Thus, understanding the role of every component of the NVU and its interaction holds the potential to aid in the developing of early biomarkers of neurodegenerative disorders and potential therapeutic interventions.
In the last decade, increased attention has been paid to the contribution of cerebrovascular dysfunction in the development and progression of neurodegenerative disorders, this has been shown by neuropathological, neuroimaging, and biomarker studies. Loss of NVU integrity results in increased BBB permeability and can lead to brain damage. Moreover, alterations in the transport systems at the NVU can lead to the accumulation of toxic proteins and/or xenobiotics in the brain parenchyma, inducing neurotoxicity and potentially neurodegeneration.
Understanding the contribution of a dysfunctional NVU to the process of neurodegeneration can be beneficial to develop early diagnostics and potential therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease.
The goal of this Research Topic on the contribution of neurovascular dysfunction to the process of neurodegeneration is to compile research studies that address how an impaired cerebral vasculature can lead to overall neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration and to understand if therapeutic interventions aimed to repair a dysfunctional vasculature can prevent, stop or reverse neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration.
The scope of this Research Topic will include a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease as well as brain pathologies, such as different types of brain cancers, traumatic brain injury and chemical-induced brain damage. One of the common denominators of all these pathologies is the presence of cerebrovascular dysfunction, which has been related to the induction and progression of neurodegeneration, and we welcome contributions that focus on the overall contribution of NVU dysfunction to neurodegeneration.
In the last decade, increased attention has been paid to the contribution of cerebrovascular dysfunction in the development and progression of neurodegenerative disorders, this has been shown by neuropathological, neuroimaging, and biomarker studies. Loss of NVU integrity results in increased BBB permeability and can lead to brain damage. Moreover, alterations in the transport systems at the NVU can lead to the accumulation of toxic proteins and/or xenobiotics in the brain parenchyma, inducing neurotoxicity and potentially neurodegeneration.
Understanding the contribution of a dysfunctional NVU to the process of neurodegeneration can be beneficial to develop early diagnostics and potential therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease.
The goal of this Research Topic on the contribution of neurovascular dysfunction to the process of neurodegeneration is to compile research studies that address how an impaired cerebral vasculature can lead to overall neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration and to understand if therapeutic interventions aimed to repair a dysfunctional vasculature can prevent, stop or reverse neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration.
The scope of this Research Topic will include a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease as well as brain pathologies, such as different types of brain cancers, traumatic brain injury and chemical-induced brain damage. One of the common denominators of all these pathologies is the presence of cerebrovascular dysfunction, which has been related to the induction and progression of neurodegeneration, and we welcome contributions that focus on the overall contribution of NVU dysfunction to neurodegeneration.
Keywords: Endothelial Dysfunction, Tight Junction Proteins, Blood-Brain-Barrier, Protein Transporters, Neuroinflammation, Neurodegeneration
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