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Review
. 2021 Jun 11:9:673415.
doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.673415. eCollection 2021.

Targeting microRNAs to Regulate the Integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier

Juntao Wang  1   2 , Fang Xu  1   2 , Xiaoming Zhu  1   2 , Xianghua Li  3 , Yankun Li  3   4 , Jia Li  5
Affiliations
Review

Targeting microRNAs to Regulate the Integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier

Juntao Wang et al. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. .

Abstract

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly specialized neurovascular unit that protects the brain from potentially harmful substances. In addition, the BBB also engages in the exchange of essential nutrients between the vasculature and brain parenchyma, which is critical for brain homeostasis. Brain diseases, including neurological disorders and cerebrovascular diseases, are often associated with disrupted BBB integrity, evidenced by increased permeability. Therefore, defining the mechanisms underlying the regulation of BBB integrity is crucial for the development of novel therapeutics targeting brain diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNA), a type of small non-coding RNAs, are emerging as an important regulator of BBB integrity. Here we review recent developments related to the role of miRNAs in regulating BBB integrity.

Keywords: blood–brain barrier; microRNA; nanobiotechnology; regulate; targeting.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity by targeting endothelial tight junction, basement membrane, pericyte coverage, and inflammation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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