Genetic control of brain vascular development

Despite the importance of the neurovascular unit in a large set of central nervous system disorders, the mechanisms underlying brain angiogenesis and brain endothelial specialization are unclear. GPR124, an orphan member of the adhesion class of heterotrimeric G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCR) is a key, yet poorly characterized regulator of brain-specific vascular assembly and differentiation.

Through the analysis of GPR124-deficient zebrafish, this project aims to understand the nature of the brain-derived molecular cues triggering GPR124 activation, the molecular and cellular impact of this activation on cerebral endothelial cell physiology as well as the potential molecular and genetic interactions between GPR124 signaling and other brain-specific proangiogenic signals.

Spokesperson

Benoit Vanhollebeke

Molecular Parasitology Laboratory
Faculty of Sciences

Dates
Created on August 31, 2018