Tanycytes in sensory circumventricular organs
Aperçu du projet
The brain is isolated from the peripheral blood circulation by a barrier (ie the blood-brain barrier) that protects it from the entrance of harmful substances (pathogenic or inflammatory agents) and prevents excessive fluctuations in the levels of circulating molecules. However, a few specialized brain areas located in the hypothalamus are not fully isolated from the peripheral circulation and thus can directly sense the composition of the blood (e.g. levels of glucose, ions, and hormones). These specialized brain areas are of key importance for the organism as they respond to the levels of circulating molecules by controlling vital functions, such as energy metabolism, plasma sodium detection, water balance, and blood pressure. These areas also feature unique glial cells, called tanycytes, that are strategically located, contacting the blood and the cerebral spinal fluid. This project aims to study if tanycytes monitor changes in the peripheral circulation, and whether they can communicate these changes to neurons. The proposed research will be the first of its kind to investigate the function of these specialized glial cells in key regions involved in regulating energy balance, body fluid homeostasis and cardiovascular function. We will gain insights into a potential cellular mechanism mediating the cross-talk between the brain and the periphery. This work aims to build the foundation for future studies on these brain regions with an incomplete blood-brain barrier, particularly focusing on the contribution of glial cells in regulating the function of these regions.
Chef d'équipe
Amirah-Iman Hicks , McGill University