| First Author | Ma S | Year | 2017 |
| Journal | Dev Cell | Volume | 41 |
| Issue | 4 | Pages | 366-381.e4 |
| PubMed ID | 28535372 | Mgi Jnum | J:241849 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:5903781 | Doi | 10.1016/j.devcel.2017.04.014 |
| Citation | Ma S, et al. (2017) A Brain-Region-Specific Neural Pathway Regulating Germinal Matrix Angiogenesis. Dev Cell 41(4):366-381.e4 |
| abstractText | Intimate communication between neural and vascular cells is critical for normal brain development and function. Germinal matrix (GM), a key primordium for the brain reward circuitry, is unique among brain regions for its distinct pace of angiogenesis and selective vulnerability to hemorrhage during development. A major neonatal condition, GM hemorrhage can lead to cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, and mental retardation. Here we identify a brain-region-specific neural progenitor-based signaling pathway dedicated to regulating GM vessel development. This pathway consists of cell-surface sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors, an intracellular cascade including Galpha co-factor Ric8a and p38 MAPK, and target gene integrin beta8, which in turn regulates vascular TGF-beta signaling. These findings provide insights into region-specific specialization of neurovascular communication, with special implications for deciphering potent early-life endocrine, as well as potential gut microbiota impacts on brain reward circuitry. They also identify tissue-specific molecular targets for GM hemorrhage intervention. |
