Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly specialized endothelial interface that preserves neural homeostasis while tightly regulating molecular exchange between the circulation and the central nervous system. Although this protective function is essential for brain health, it also represents a major limitation for effective pharmacological treatment of neurological disorders.
Historically, the BBB has been considered a structurally uniform barrier throughout the brain. However, growing evidence suggests that endothelial cells exhibit region-specific molecular characteristics that may influence both physiological regulation and drug permeability.
In this study, we investigated molecular variability of the BBB by profiling gene and protein expression in brain microvessels isolated from distinct anatomical regions, specifically the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Key components involved in barrier integrity, transport activity, and receptor-mediated trafficking were systematically examined, including tight and adherens junction proteins, ATP-binding cassette transporters, and endothelial receptors relevant to drug uptake.
Our findings demonstrate regional differences in BBB molecular composition, indicating that endothelial specialization exists across brain territories. This heterogeneity has important implications for drug delivery strategies and may explain variable therapeutic responses observed in neurological diseases.
Recognizing BBB regional diversity offers a new framework for the rational design of brain-targeted therapies and highlights the need for region-specific approaches in neuropharmacology.
Biography
Dr Rania Harati is Associate Professor at the College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. She earned her PhD in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology from Paris-Sud University (Paris-Saclay University) and completed her postdoctoral training at Pierre and Marie Curie University (Sorbonne University) in Paris, France. Her research focuses on understanding the regulation of the blood-brain barrier in health and disease.