Biochemical­­– and biophysical–induced barriergenesis in the blood brain barrier: a review of barriergenic factors for use in in vitro models

Schofield, C. L., Rodrigo-Navarro, A. , Dalby, M. J. , Van Agtmael, T. and Salmeron-Sanchez, M. (2021) Biochemical­­– and biophysical–induced barriergenesis in the blood brain barrier: a review of barriergenic factors for use in in vitro models. Advanced NanoBiomed Research, 1(5), 2000068. (doi: 10.1002/anbr.202000068)

Abstract

Central nervous system (CNS) pathologies are a prevalent problem in aging populations, creating a need to understand the underlying events in these diseases and develop efficient CNS‐targeting drugs. The importance of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) has become evident, acting both as a physical barrier to drug entry into the CNS, and potentially as the cause or aggravator of CNS diseases. The development of a biomimetic BBB in vitro model is required for the understanding of BBB‐related pathologies and in the screening of drugs targeting the CNS. There is currently a great interest in understanding the influence of biochemical and biophysical factors, as these have the potential to greatly improve the barrier function of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). Recent advances in understanding how these may regulate barriergenesis in BMECs can help promote the development of improved BBB in vitro models, and therefore novel interventional therapies for pathologies related to its disruption. This review provides an overview of specific biochemical and biomechanical cues in the formation of the BBB, with a focus on in vitro models and how these might recapitulate BBB function.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: We acknowledge support via and EPSRC program grant (EP/P001114/1). All the figures were created with BioRender.com.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Salmeron-Sanchez, Professor Manuel and Dalby, Professor Matthew and Schofield, Ms Christina and Van Agtmael, Professor Tom and Rodrigo-Navarro, Mr Aleixandre
• Authors: Schofield, C. L., Rodrigo-Navarro, A., Dalby, M. J., Van Agtmael, T., and Salmeron-Sanchez, M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Biomedical Engineering
• Journal Name: Advanced NanoBiomed Research
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 2699-9307
• ISSN (Online): 2699-9307
• Published Online: 02 February 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Advanced NanoBiomed Research 1(5): 2000068
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
173192		Engineering growth factor microenvironments- a new therapeutic paradigm for regenerative medicine	Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez	Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)	EP/P001114/1	ENG - Biomedical Engineering