FOR 2325: Interactions at the Neurovascular Interface

Basic data for this project

Description

The vasculature and the nervous system form complex, highly branched networks, which are frequently interdependent and functionally linked. Growing vessels, migrating neurons and extending axons respond to similar sets of guidance cues and instructive signals such as Wnt, Notch, VEGF/VEGFR, or Eph/ephrin molecules. Certain vessels and nerves also form in a highly aligned fashion, which can be mediated by nerve-derived signals that act on endothelial cells or, conversely, the formation of nerve fibers along a preformed vessel template. The blood-brainbarrier, which protects the central nervous system against potentially harmful cell and moleculesfrom the circulation, requires the tightly coordinated function of endothelial cells, pericytes and astrocytes in a structure called neurovascular unit. While neurovascular interactions are particularly important during development, they remain indispensable for normal organ function and regenerative processes in the adult organism. In fact, many of the most debilitating neurodegenerative diseases involve disruption of the neurovascular unit or compromised vascular function in the nervous system. Despite the obvious importance of the neurovascular interactions, many of the underlying cellular and molecular processes are not yet understood and, in general, there is insufficient research at the interface between vascular biology and neurobiology. Here, we propose a new Research Unit (Forschergruppe, FOR) focusing on neurovascular signaling, the role of common molecular regulators, and the formation and homeostasis of the neurovascular unit. The FOR will bundle research activities of leading laboratories and, with the help of centralactivities, generate a new powerful network in a highly promising field with great relevance for both basic and biomedical research.