Unveiling Molecular Mysteries of Brain Barriers
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Neurobiology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 September 2025 | Viewed by 29
Special Issue Editor
2. UDI-IPG- Unidade de Investigação para o Desenvolvimento do Interior, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda, Guarda, Portugal
Interests: brain barriers; choroid plexus; chemical surveillance; taste signaling
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The brain is protected by specialized barriers, including the blood–brain barrier (BBB), blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB), and the arachnoid barrier (AB). These barriers rely on tightly regulated molecular mechanisms. Tight junction proteins seal endothelial cells at the BBB and epithelial choroid plexus cells at the BCSFB, limiting paracellular transport. Active efflux systems, such as ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, regulate molecular exchange, preventing neurotoxic accumulation while maintaining nutrient delivery.
Despite their critical role in brain homeostasis, brain barriers restrict the entry of many therapeutic drugs, posing a challenge for brain drug delivery. Meanwhile, certain peripheral cancers can bypass these barriers to metastasize to the brain. This underscores the need for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing brain barriers, particularly those that regulate exchanges between the brain and the periphery.
This Special Issue on “Unveiling Molecular Mysteries of Brain Barriers” aims to explore novel molecular mechanisms and advance therapeutic strategies capable of crossing brain barriers to effectively target brain cells.
Original papers, review articles, and perspectives from experts in the field are welcome.
Dr. Ana Catarina Duarte
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- blood–brain barrier
- blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier
- arachnoid barrier
- transport mechanisms
- drug delivery
- drug metabolism
- ATP-binding cassete (ABC) transporters
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