Neurovascular adaptations modulating cognition, mood, and stress responses

The neurovascular unit (NVU) is a dynamic center for substance exchange be-tween the blood and the brain, making it an essential gatekeeper for central ner-vous system (CNS) homeostasis. Recent evidence supports a role for the NVU in modulating brain function and cognition. In addition, alterations in NVU pro-cesses are observed in response to stress, although the mechanisms via which they can affect mood and cognitive functions remain elusive. Here, we summa-rize recent studies of neurovascular regulation of emotional processes and cog-nitive function, including under stressful conditions. We also highlight relevant RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) databases aiming to profile the NVU along with in-novative tools to study and manipulate NVU function that can be exploited in the context of cognition and stress research throughout development, aging, or brain disorders.

Automated summary

The neurovascular unit (NVU) plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis in the central nervous system (CNS) by facilitating substance exchange between the blood and the brain. Recent studies have shown that the NVU also affects brain function, cognition, and emotional processes, especially under stress. Understanding the mechanisms of NVU regulation can provide valuable insights for research on cognition, stress, and brain disorders.