Articles tagged with Pericytes
Researchers have discovered that tumor-educated pericytes drive alternative angiogenic pathways, bypassing VEGF inhibition and making them a major contributor to drug resistance. A novel therapeutic strategy targeting both endothelial cells and pericytes has shown superior anti-angiogenic effects in multiple cancer models.
Scientists at Terasaki Institute engineer a novel 3D glioblastoma model that mimics brain tissue and pericyte role, showing increased resistance to chemotherapy. The model increases sensitivity of GBM cell lines to TMZ by 22-32%.
Researchers introduced a recombinant protein to pericytes, which change shape and create cellular bridges that support axon regeneration. In mouse experiments, the treatment promoted robust axon regenerative growth and restored leg function.
A team of researchers from Kyoto University has developed a microfluidic co-culture vasculature chip that mimics the microenvironment of alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS), a rare cancer. The chip enables scientists to study cell-to-cell interactions and angiogenic mechanisms, which may lead to new strategies for treating ASPS patients.
Brain pericytes play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. A new study reveals that blood flow promotes their proliferation after entering the brain, relying on the activation of mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 in vascular endothelial cells and downstream Notch signaling.
A new study published in Neuron reveals that pericytes, a type of vascular cell, play a vital role in teaming up with neurons to form and store long-term memories. The research found that insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) produced by pericytes enhances memory formation and storage.
A new study from USC researchers uncovers the sequence of early molecular changes caused by APOE4, a discovery that may help identify potential treatment targets in the brain's blood vessels. The research reveals problems with the blood-brain barrier and synapses, leading to behavioral deficits and cognitive dysfunction.
Researchers at Aston University have developed a new approach to tackle one of the underlying causes of asthma, not just its symptoms. The treatment, which targets the structural changes made by asthmatic airways, shows promising results in mice, reducing symptoms within two weeks and returning airways to near normal.
Researchers found that pericyte precursor cells and endothelial cells work together simultaneously during embryonic development, contrary to previous theories. This discovery may lead to new strategies for repairing damaged tissue after stroke or heart attack.
Researchers found that brains from patients with Alzheimer's disease had higher levels of the protein Fli-1 and fewer pericytes lining their smallest blood vessels, leading to leakage. Blocking Fli-1 improved memory in mice, suggesting a promising new approach to treating the disease.
Researchers at CRCHUM have identified damaged nanotubes connecting pericytes as a major contributor to glaucoma. The study reveals that restoring calcium equilibrium within pericytes can recover vascular and neuronal functions, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers created a stem cell model demonstrating SARS-CoV-2's entry into the human brain through blood vessels and infected pericytes. Astrocytes were the main target of this secondary infection, leading to complications like inflammation, clotting, stroke, or hemorrhages.
Researchers used two-photon imaging and optogenetics to isolate brain capillaries in animal models, discovering that pericytes regulate blood flow through a slower process than upstream arteries. The findings have implications for stroke treatment and potential therapeutics.
Researchers develop lab-engineered model of human blood-brain barrier, discovering how APOE4 variant causes amyloid protein plaques to disrupt brain's vasculature. They identify specific vascular cell type and molecular pathway that promotes cerebral amyloid angiopathy pathology.
Researchers at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) have found that glioblastoma hijacks pericytes to promote tumor progression and evade the immune system. By targeting chaperone-mediated autophagy, they may develop a new therapeutic approach to treat this aggressive brain cancer.
A USC study found that pericytes, a type of brain cell, secrete a substance that keeps neurons alive even in the presence of leaky blood vessels. This discovery sheds light on the cascade of events leading to neurodegeneration and offers potential therapy strategies.
Researchers found that pericyte transplantation can facilitate full regrowth of muscle fibers in skeletal muscle following limb immobilization. Pericytes play a crucial role in regulating muscle mass, particularly in the context of recovery from disuse atrophy.
Researchers have discovered that injecting cells called pericytes into muscles depleted by inactivity can help restore lost muscle mass. The treatment showed significant improvement in muscle recovery compared to those who regained mobility without injections, particularly in older adults and disabled individuals.
Pericytes, supporting blood vessels, may trigger tumor cell resistance to therapy by releasing molecules. Targeting these factors could represent a novel approach for aggressive tumors resistant to conventional treatments.
Researchers at Mainz University Medical Center found that pericytes, a type of connective tissue cell in the brain, can be directly converted into neurons by manipulating signaling pathways. The cells must pass through a neural stem cell-like state before differentiating into two classes of neurons.
Astrocytes and pericytes work together to regenerate cerebral blood vessels in brain regions damaged by stroke. New blood vessels form at the interface between these cells, re-establishing normal blood flow within weeks.
Pericytes, a type of cell on brain blood vessels, grow to cover empty space left by neighboring cells. This brain plasticity may help fight age-related vascular disorders like Alzheimer's disease and stroke.
Researchers have found that the Tie2 receptor on pericytes plays a crucial role in regulating blood vessel growth and maturation. By breeding mice with disabled Tie2 receptors, scientists discovered that tumor blood vessels grew faster and more aggressively without this control, highlighting potential new targets for cancer therapy.
Scientists have found that pericytes, strong contractile cells forming blood vessels, can also produce tumors and enable their spread. GT198, a gene normally expressing stem-cell like properties, becomes an oncogene when mutated, promoting cancer growth.
Researchers found that pericyte loss worsens retinal environment and function in mouse models of diabetic retinopathy. Pericytes regulate a molecular pathway associated with vascular stabilization, and their absence accelerates disease progression.
Researchers discovered that abnormality with gatekeeper cells, which surround blood vessels in the brain, leads to neuron deterioration and possible influence on Alzheimer's disease. Pericyte degeneration restricts blood flow and oxygen supply to active areas of the brain.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina discovered that pericytes contribute to capillary damage and blood leakage during ischemia, which can lead to neurological conditions involving ischemia. The study used advanced imaging techniques to track MMP-9 activity and plasma leakage in intact brains of live mice.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that replacing a protein complex involved in muscle development may alleviate symptoms of muscular dystrophy. The researchers identified a genetic switch that drives pericytes and PICs to become muscle cells, providing a potential target for drug development.
Researchers found that tumour pericytes manipulate the tumour environment to help cancer cells escape immune surveillance. Increasing pericyte numbers could potentially decrease IL-6 expression and improve cytotoxic T-cell activity.
A special protein called FoxF2 found in brain's tiny blood vessels affects the development of the blood-brain barrier, a vital protective function that controls substances reaching the brain's nerve cells. Variations in the FoxF2 gene have been linked to an increased risk of stroke in humans.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that targeting pericytes and angiopoietin-2 signaling may reduce breast cancer tumor growth and metastasis. The study suggests a potential new therapeutic approach for metastatic breast cancer.
Pericytes, a type of stem cell found in the brain, play a key role in brain repair after a stroke by migrating to damaged areas and converting into microglia cells. This discovery opens up new possibilities for targeting pericytes as a potential treatment for stroke treatment.
Researchers at UCL found that pericytes, which control blood flow in capillaries, die around strokes causing lasting brain cell damage. New treatments targeting these cells may help restore normal blood flow and prevent ongoing slow damage after a stroke.
A study in mice reveals that breakdown of brain blood vessels may amplify problems associated with Alzheimer's disease. Pericytes, a type of blood vessel cell, may provide novel targets for treatments and diagnoses.
Researchers at Lund University are studying the connection between type 2 diabetes and dementia, specifically focusing on insulin resistance and pericyte cells in the brain. They hope to discover new biomarkers that can signal early stages of dementia in diabetes patients, allowing for potential treatment targets.
Scientists at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center identified two sub-types of pericytes, Type 1 forming only fat cells and Type 2 forming only muscle cells. The study suggests that Type 2 pericytes play a critical role in successful muscle regeneration.
A new study finds that pericytes, a group of cells in the tumor microenvironment, play a crucial role in preventing cancer progression and metastasis. Researchers discovered that inhibiting these cells can inadvertently make tumors more aggressive and likely to spread.
The study discovered that pericytes can stimulate new blood vessels and aid in the recovery of a heart attack by transferring microRNAs to endothelial cells. This novel mechanism could lead to the development of new treatments for cardiovascular disease.
Reduced pericyte levels have been found to disrupt blood flow and worsen the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, allowing toxic substances to reach brain tissue. This can lead to structural damage to neurons, impaired learning and memory, and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found a potential solution to the blood-brain barrier problem, allowing for the transport of molecules into the brain while preserving basic functions. The discovery, led by Professor Christer Betsholtz, could lead to new therapies for Alzheimer's and stroke.
Pericytes, contractile cells surrounding capillaries, use mechanical forces to initiate angiogenesis, a crucial process in cancer, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. The study suggests that local contractions could serve as initiating mechanical signals influencing angiogenesis.
Researchers found that fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) boosts new brain cell production and protects existing neurons from degeneration following traumatic brain injury. The study suggests FGF-2 supplementation may improve TBI outcomes.