Investigating the effects of Norrin on the blood-brain-barrier
The blood-brain-barrier (BBB) is a physical barrier that protects the brain from the systemic blood system in which pathogens and non-brain cells reside. During aging, the BBB becomes compromised and begins to fall apart. This weakened BBB allows for the blood to enter the brain and cause inflammation and the death of neurons, which causes neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).
In the proposed research, Dr. Sean James Miller seeks to identify strategies that will prevent the disruption of the BBB, thus maintaining protection of the neurons to prevent cognitive impairment and associated diseases. Dr. Miller is particularly looking at the role of a protein called Norrin. Norrin is selectively expressed by astrocytes, the most abundant cell type in the central nervous system. It is hypothesized that Norrin loss leads to impairments of the BBB and brain endothelial cells (BECs) that maintain the integrity of the BBB.
