a-triple-culture-cell-system-modeling-the-human-blood-brain-barrier

A Triple Culture Cell System Modeling the Human Blood-Brain Barrier

The delivery of drugs to the brain remains a challenge due to the blood-brain barrier's (BBB) highly specific and restrictive properties, which controls ...

Univ. Artois, UR 2465, Laboratoire de la Barrière Hémato-Encéphalique (LBHE)

The ST6GALNAC5 gene that encodes an α2,6-sialyltransferase involved in the biosynthesis of α-series gangliosides, was previously identified as one of the genes that mediate breast cancer metastasis to the brain. We have shown that the expression of ST6GALNAC5 in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells resulted in the expression of GD1α ganglioside at the cell surface. By using a human blood-brain barrier in vitro model recently developed, consisting in CD34⁺ derived endothelial cells co-cultivated with pericytes, we show that ST6GALNAC5 expression decreased the interactions between the breast cancer cells and the human blood-brain barrier. 

Marie-Pierre Dehouck

Univ. Artois, UR 2465, Laboratoire de la Barrière Hémato-Encéphalique (LBHE)

A Triple Culture Cell System Modeling the Human Blood-Brain Barrier