Disentangling brain vasculature in neurogenesis and neurodegeneration using single-cell transcriptomics

The vasculature is increasingly recognized to impact brain function in health and disease across the life span. During embryonic brain development, angiogenesis and neurogenesis are tightly coupled, coordinating the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of neural and glial progenitors. In the adult brain, neurovascular interactions continue to play essential roles in maintaining brain function and homeostasis. This review focuses on recent advances that leverage single-cell transcriptomics of vascular cells to uncover their subtypes, their organization and zonation in the embryonic and adult brain, and how dysfunction in neurovascular and gliovascular interactions contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we highlight key challenges for future research in neurovascular biology.

Automated summary

This article discusses the impact of vasculature on brain function, including angiogenesis and neurogenesis during embryonic brain development and neurovascular interactions in the adult brain to maintain brain function. The article also explores the use of single-cell transcriptomics to study the subtypes, organization, and zonation of vascular cells in the embryonic and adult brain, as well as the role of dysfunction in neurovascular and gliovascular interactions in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, the article highlights key challenges for future research in neurovascular biology.