In a recent study published in Cell, researchers at UC San Francisco have discovered a new type of neuron that plays a crucial role in guiding the formation of blood vessel lattices in the retina. This discovery may lead to new therapies for diseases related to impaired blood flow in the eyes and brain. The findings suggest that perivascular neurons produce a protein called PIEZO2, which enables them to sense and make direct contact with blood vessels, directing them to form the intricate 3-D lattice structure necessary for nourishing retinal cells.
Using newborn mice for their study, the researchers labeled retinal neurons close to blood vessels with a protein that glows under ultraviolet light, allowing them to observe the lattice formation process. They identified perivascular neurons as a subset of neurons that interact with and surround growing blood vessels to guide their formation into the lattice structure. Moreover, mice lacking the ability to produce PIEZO2 exhibited disorganized growth of neurons around blood vessels, disrupting blood flow and leading to degradation of surrounding nerve cells, making the mice more vulnerable to stroke-like injuries.
Furthermore, the researchers found that perivascular neurons also play a role in guiding the formation of blood vessels in the cerebellum, a part of the brain involved in various functions. This suggests that damage to the lattice structure formed by perivascular neurons could potentially be linked to multiple neurodegenerative diseases. Collaborating with developmental biologist Arnold Kriegstein, the team confirmed the presence of perivascular retinal neurons in humans, highlighting the significance of their findings across species.
While most previous research on the vascular-nervous system connection has been limited to 2-D images, the researchers utilized a new technique involving multiphoton microscopy to create 3-D images of retinal blood networks without disrupting the eye. This technology allowed them to observe the lattice formation in detail and understand how it deteriorates in the absence of PIEZO2. The researchers believe that these findings could inspire new approaches to treating neurodegenerative diseases by ensuring that neurons have a healthy blood supply to meet their high energy demands.
In conclusion, the discovery of perivascular neurons and their role in guiding the formation of blood vessel lattices in the retina sheds light on the intricate interplay between the vascular and nervous systems. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for developing therapies for diseases related to impaired blood flow in the eyes and brain. By understanding how neurons interact with blood vessels to create intricate lattice structures, researchers hope to develop strategies to support healthy blood flow and protect neurons, ultimately improving outcomes for patients with neurodegenerative diseases.