Abstract
The human brain carries out complex tasks and higher functions and is crucial for organismal survival, as it senses both intrinsic and extrinsic environments. Proper brain development relies on the orchestrated development of different precursor cells, which will give rise to the plethora of mature brain cell-types. Within this process, neuronal cells develop closely to and in coordination with vascular cells (endothelial cells (ECs), pericytes) in a bilateral communication process that relies on neuronal activity, attractive or repulsive guidance cues for both cell types and on tight-regulation of gene expression. Translational control is a master regulator of the gene-expression pathway and in particular for neuronal and ECs, it can be localized in developmentally relevant (axon growth cone, endothelial tip cell) and mature compartments (synapses, axons). Herein, we will review mechanisms of translational control relevant to brain development in neurons and ECs in health and disease.
Highlights
Neuronal cells develop closely to and in coordination with vascular cells (endothelial cells (ECs), pericytes) in a bilateral communication process that relies on neuronal activity, attractive or repulsive guidance cues for both cell types and on tight-regulation of gene expression
While most mRNAs are translationally repressed under hypoxia, a complex that includes the oxygen-regulated HIF-2α, the RNA-binding protein RBM4 and 4E-HP promotes the translation of a subset of mRNAs by capturing their 50 UTR [63], which is highly relevant for cancer cells [64]
It is known that mechanical forces activate the mTOR signalling pathway and regulate protein synthesis in heart (CM) and vascular cells (ECs and Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs)) [79]
Summary
The central nervous system (CNS) comprises the brain and spinal cord and contains various centres that integrate information from the entire body, coordinating a range of higher functions such as movement, speech and cognition. Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) from the ventral telencephalon, which give rise to inhibitory neurons; (I) require the association with blood vessels, while NPCs from the dorsal region, which give rise to excitatory neurons; (E) do not [10] Both NPC populations (E/I) are associated with the pial basement membrane, but from E14.5, ventral telencephalic NPCs switch to periventricular blood vessels [10]. Sprouting blood vessels are led by ECs that resemble these axonal growth cones in cellular appearance and function, exhibiting similar lamellipodia and filopodia 3 structures [4] These cells have been named ‘endothelial tip cells’ and are key structures in the pathfinding of developing, newly forming blood vessels [4]. The tight interplay between neurons and vascular cells within the neurovascular unit at the molecular, cellular and physiological level coordinates and dictates CNS development, homeostasis and function
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
