Editorial: The Role of Neurovascular Unit in Neurodegeneration

Abstract

The neurovascular unit (NVU) is a novel concept which refers to the dynamic multicellular complex and functional interactions between brain tissues and blood vessels, Schaeffer and Iadecola. Neurons, perivascular astrocytes, microglia, pericytes, and endothelial cells (ECs), as well as basement membrane (BM) form a functional NVU complex，Bell et al. These components interact with each other in order to maintain the physiological integrity of NVU.It is suggested that NVU modulates neurovascular coupling (NVC) and maintains blood-brain barrier (BBB) functions, which are vital to brain homeostasis and functions, Bell et al. In NVC, the cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral nutrition supplement demand are closely linked via molecular events to regulate intraluminal diameter of cerebral blood vessels, The exact pathophysiological role of NVU in neurodegenerative diseases still remains to be elucidated and more studies are warranted in the future. Recent findings demonstrate the molecular heterogeneity of brain NVU cells, suggesting no prototypical neurovascular unit may exist at distinct levels of cerebral NVU networks, Schaeffer and Iadecola. The cerebral NVU network seems to be more complicated than we have expected. Further studies from in vitro and in vivo models are needed to investigate the role of NVU in the pathogenesis of various neurological diseases with the hope of identifying potential therapeutic targets.