Scientists uncover how the breakdown of a critical sugar-rich layer in brain blood vessels accelerates aging and disease—offering a new therapeutic target to restore brain health.
Study: Glycocalyx dysregulation impairs blood–brain barrier in ageing and disease. Image Credit: ART-ur / Shutterstock
A recent study published in the journal Nature showed that the dysregulation of the brain endothelial glycocalyx layer impairs the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in disease and aging.
The BBB forms a highly regulated vascular interface between the brain and blood and supports brain function. The BBB’s restrictive nature is enabled by the unique properties of brain endothelial cells. In particular, mucin-domain glycoproteins within the glycocalyx play a crucial role in maintaining BBB integrity. Besides,…