Homeostatic interactions between chemoprotective functions at the blood-brain barrier

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an evolutionary conserved tissue interface that possesses potent chemical protection properties functioning to strictly modulate the central nervous system (CNS) microenvironment. These same properties, including tight cellular junctions and efflux transporters, also limit access of CNS-active pharmaceuticals. For this reason, understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate BBB chemical protection is of great biomedical interest. The BBB of Drosophila consists of two surface glia layers that completely surround the brain. This tissue interface contains both tight cellular junctions (termed septate junctions) and drug efflux transporters; thus, the Drosophila BBB can potentially serve as a model for understanding complex regulation of BBB physiology.

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