Simon Konig, Vignesh Jayarajan, Selina Wray, Roger Kamm, Emad Moeendarbary
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) preserves brain health through selective permeability, and its disruption is a hallmark of many neurological disorders. Mechanical stimuli such as shear stress and cyclic strain are increasingly recognised to influence BBB integrity and function, while alterations in tissue stiffness and extracellular matrix composition contribute to its breakdown during ageing and disease. Despite its importance, BBB mechanobiology remains underexplored. Here we highlight the central role of mechanics in BBB development, pathology, and ageing, identify key knowledge gaps, and argue that combining innovative BBB model systems with mechanical probing techniques could transform therapeutic strategies targeting brain vascular dysfunction.
期刊介绍:
Nature Communications, an open-access journal, publishes high-quality research spanning all areas of the natural sciences. Papers featured in the journal showcase significant advances relevant to specialists in each respective field. With a 2-year impact factor of 16.6 (2022) and a median time of 8 days from submission to the first editorial decision, Nature Communications is committed to rapid dissemination of research findings. As a multidisciplinary journal, it welcomes contributions from biological, health, physical, chemical, Earth, social, mathematical, applied, and engineering sciences, aiming to highlight important breakthroughs within each domain.