Luminal surface proteome of the brain vasculature uncovers blood-brain barrier regulators
Summary
At the blood-tissue interface, vasculature luminal surface is critical for molecular transport, signaling transduction, and cell extravasation. Here, we present a method for proteomic profiling of the vasculature luminal surface in vivo, broadly applicable to any vertebrate. Quantitative mass spectrometry revealed the luminal surface proteome of the mouse brain vasculature and its temporal evolution from development to aging. In vivo genetic perturbation found that the arginine transporter
Content
# Luminal surface proteome of the brain vasculature uncovers blood-brain barrier regulators
*Published: 2026 Apr 9*
At the blood-tissue interface, vasculature luminal surface is critical for
molecular transport, signaling transduction, and cell extravasation. Here, we
present a method for proteomic profiling of the vasculature luminal surface in
vivo, broadly applicable to any vertebrate. Quantitative mass spectrometry
revealed the luminal surface proteome of the mouse brain vasculature and its
temporal evolution from development to aging. In vivo genetic perturbation found
that the arginine transporter SLC7A1 and the nitric oxide synthase NOS3 are
needed for blood-brain barrier integrity in neonatal but not adult mice, whereas
the hyaluronan degradation enzyme HYAL2 safeguards the barrier throughout the
lifespan. By characterizing the proteomic dynamics of the vasculature luminal
surface, the study links the metabolism of nitric oxide and hyaluronan to
blood-brain barrier integrity.
DOI: 10.1126/science.aea2100