Endothelial αvβ3 integrin induction during hypoxia protects blood–brain barrier integrity

The Milner Lab: “Endothelial αvβ3 integrin induction during hypoxia protects blood–brain barrier integrity,” PNAS

San Diego BioMed’s Milner Lab has published their most recent findings in renowned journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Congratulations on the tremendous work! This paper builds on their studies of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is critical for maintaining brain stability and equilibrium. The deterioration of the BBB naturally with age is an important factor in the onset of disease and particularly vascular dementia.

Building on their finding that hypoxia stimulates receptor αvβ3 integrin induction on brain endothelial cells, the Milner Lab investigates whether αvβ3 integrin exerts a destructive or protective influence on BBB integrity. After careful observations, their discoveries suggest that hypoxic induction of endothelial αvβ3 integrin enhances BBB integrity by stabilizing endothelial adhesion. This raises the interesting possibility that pharmacological upregulation of endothelial αvβ3 integrin in the aged brain might hold therapeutic promise for vascular dementia.

Learn more and read the full manuscript @ https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2510931122