BBB: instructions for dummies
The hemato-encephalic barrier (BBB) is a reliable filter that does not allow toxins and other substances circulating in the blood to enter the brain tissue. This is the most important anatomical structure that protects the brain. But there are situations when this protection prevents certain drugs for the treatment of stroke, traumatic brain injury, cancer and other conditions from entering the brain. Therefore, the study of the properties of BBB is of great clinical importance.
In laboratory conditions, elementary models of BBB were previously created by combining a complex of pluripotent stem cells and endothelial and neuronal progenitor cells, as a result of a complex and not fully studied interaction of which endothelial cells formed from stem cells that form the basis of the barrier.
A group of researchers led by Sean Palecek published a report in which, for the first time, the process of creating a more accurate BBB model by direct differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into endothelial cells using step-by-step processing with various signaling molecules is described in stages. It will help many researchers to have every opportunity to actively study the properties of the barrier and ways to overcome it in order to improve the effectiveness of the treatment of neurological diseases.
A group of scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has step-by-step described the process of growing endothelial cells, which form the basis of the hemato-encephalic barrier, from adult stem cells. Source: Tongcheng Qian, UW-Madison.
There were no dark spots left in the creation of the BBB, scientists were able to describe in detail and justify each stage of the interaction of chemicals with stem cells so that they eventually differentiate into endothelial cells. The authors have applied for a patent.
This method can become a kind of standard: it can be used to create other structures. In addition, it will allow endothelial cells to be grown on an industrial scale to test drugs for toxicity and efficacy.
Article by Tongcheng Qian et al. Directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells to blood-brain barrier endothelial cells is published in the journal Science Advances.
Aminat Adzhieva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of the University Of Wisconsin-Madison: UW scientists create a recipe to make human blood-brain barrier.