888-Proteome of Brain Vasculature across the Lifespan

This research introduces a universal method for mapping the proteins on the inner surface of blood vessels without requiring genetic modification. By using a chemical perfusion technique, the researchers successfully labeled and identified the specific protein landscapes within the brain, kidney, and intestine of vertebrates. The study specifically highlights how the luminal surface of the brain vasculature changes as an organism progresses from birth through old age. Through this proteomic analysis, the authors discovered that the arginine transporter SLC7A1 and the enzyme HYAL2 are critical regulators of the blood-brain barrier's integrity. These findings establish a new toolkit for studying vascular biology and age-related diseases across various species. Overall, the work provides a comprehensive resource for understanding how molecular shifts at the blood-tissue interface impact health and development.

References:

• Zhu Z, Jiang Z, Wang Y, et al. Luminal surface proteome of the brain vasculature uncovers blood-brain barrier regulators[J]. Science, 2026, 392(6794): eaea2100.