Work

Pericytes in Brain Homeostasis: Developmental Roles and Adult Functions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Pericytes (PCs) are multifunctional mural cells embedded in the basement membrane of microvessels and play essential roles in the development and maintenance of the central nervous system. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the current knowledge on PC biology, tracing their trajectory from embryonic origins to specialized functions in the adult brain. During early brain development, PCs are recruited via platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGF-BB)/platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ) signaling and contribute to the formation of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), cortical architecture, and vascular stability. Their developmental plasticity is shaped by multiple embryonic origins and dynamic interactions with endothelial and neural precursor cells. In the adult central nervous system, PCs are central to maintaining BBB integrity, regulating cerebral blood flow, and modulating neurovascular coupling. They also participate in immune responses, metabolic waste clearance, and neuroprotection through the secretion of trophic factors and cytokines. Of particular interest is their emerging role in the expression of lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS), which synthesizes prostaglandin D2-a molecule involved in sleep regulation, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. L-PGDS may also act as an amyloid β chaperone, implicating PCs in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The regulatory mechanisms of L-PGDS expression involve nuclear factor kappa B and Notch-Hes signaling, as well as potential modulation via brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin receptor kinase B/protein kinase C pathway. By integrating developmental, molecular, and pathophysiological perspectives, this review positions PCs as key cellular regulators of brain function and highlights their potential as therapeutic targets in cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

Source: Frontiers in Bioscience-Landmark

DOI: 10.31083/fbl42742

Authors: Uliana Drozd, Svetlana Vechkapova, Dmitriy Lanshakov

Institutions: Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk State Medical University, Federal Research Center for Information and Computational Technologies, Novosibirsk State University

Language: English

Topic: Barrier Structure and Function Studies

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,500