Integrative multi-omic profiling of adult mouse brain endothelial cells and potential implications in Alzheimer's disease

Cell Rep. 2023 Nov 28;42(11):113392. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113392. Epub 2023 Nov 4.

Abstract

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is primarily manifested by a variety of physiological properties of brain endothelial cells (ECs), but the molecular foundation for these properties remains incompletely clear. Here, we generate a comprehensive molecular atlas of adult brain ECs using acutely purified mouse ECs and integrated multi-omics. Using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and proteomics, we identify the transcripts and proteins selectively enriched in brain ECs and demonstrate that they are partially correlated. Using single-cell RNA-seq, we dissect the molecular basis of functional heterogeneity of brain ECs. Using integrative epigenomics and transcriptomics, we determine that TCF/LEF, SOX, and ETS families are top-ranked transcription factors regulating the BBB. We then validate the identified brain-EC-enriched proteins and transcription factors in normal mouse and human brain tissue and assess their expression changes in mice with Alzheimer's disease. Overall, we present a valuable resource with broad implications for regulation of the BBB and treatment of neurological disorders.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; CP: Neuroscience; blood-brain barrier; endothelial cells; multi-omics; proteomics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alzheimer Disease* / genetics
  • Alzheimer Disease* / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / metabolism
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Endothelial Cells* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Multiomics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Transcription Factors