The blood-brain barrier is formed by cells at the interface between the blood and the brain and spinal cord (also known as the central nervous system or CNS). The key cells that control access of molecules into and out of the CNS are the ‘endothelial cells’, which line the blood vessels. Leakage across CNS blood vessels occurs in many neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease and results in damage to neurons and impaired electrical conduction along nerves. Normally CNS endothelial cells have ‘tight junctions’ which present a barrier to the movement of serum molecules. In neurological disorders, the endothelial cells lose tight junction proteins and the barrier becomes leaky. Research at the OU investigates the molecular mechanisms controlling the barrier tight junctions between the blood and the CNS both in health and in the context of multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. The different blood-brain barrier projects are carried out using human cells in tissue culture and we collaborate with external academic and industry-based research groups to validate our in vitro results using animal models and clinical specimens. By identifying the controlling mechanisms that cause leakage of small blood vessels, we could target these therapeutically to prevent and/or ameliorate pathology in neurodegenerative disorders. For more details see the research pages of Nacho Romero and David Male.
