Novel Insights into Coronavirus Mechanisms Revealed in Study

Strategic Insights -

Fresh data on coronavirus have been presented in a new report detailing the role of the receptor tyrosine kinase Mer (Mertk) in regulating blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and angiogenesis. According to researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Mertk acts in vascular endothelial cells to tighten the BBB subsequent to viral infection. The study's findings suggest that Mertk controls the expression and activity of BBB regulators, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and angiogenic genes, thereby influencing vascular sprouting and BBB integrity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The receptor tyrosine kinase Mer (Mertk) plays a crucial role in regulating blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and angiogenesis.
  • Mertk acts in vascular endothelial cells to tighten the BBB subsequent to viral infection.
  • Mertk controls the expression and activity of a large cohort of BBB regulators, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and angiogenic genes.
  • EC-specific Mertk gene inactivation resulted in perturbed vascular sprouting and a compromised BBB after induced photothrombotic stroke.
  • Stroke lesions in the brain were reduced in the absence of EC Mer, linked to reduced plasma expression of fibrinogen, prothrombin, and other effectors of blood coagulation.
  • The study's findings may also account for disease severity following infection with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
  • The research was funded by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, National Institutes of Health (NIH), including the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
  • Additional authors on the study include Patrick G. Burrola and Greg Lemke.

Statistics:

  • 14: The number of authors listed for the study, including the adding authors (Happonen and Burrola).
  • 2: The number of funding sources mentioned, including the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Sources:

  • Regulation of brain endothelial cell physiology by the TAM receptor tyrosine kinase Mer. Communications Biology, 2023, 6(1):1-14.
  • http://www.nature.com/commsbio (Communications Biology)
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1038/s42003-023-05287-y (Free journal article available online)