Topic: trans-BBB inflammatory signalling

The transcription factor Nrf2 (encoded by the Nfe2l2 gene) is a widely-expressed stress-responsive master regulator of several aspects of homeostatic physiology. Nrf2 plays a key role in preventing oxidative stress and inflammation. In the brain, Nrf2 is highly expressed by endothelial cells. Brain endothelial cells (BECs) are the key component of the blood brain barrier (BBB), which controls brain homeostasis. The role of BEC Nrf2 expression in maintaining homeostasis is not fully understood. In this project, through gain- and loss function experiments, we have found that Nrf2 activity in BEC