lipid transport across blood-brain barrier

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The directed movement of lipid molecules passing through the blood-brain barrier. [GOC:sjp, PMID:24345162]

Lipid transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly regulated process that ensures the delivery of essential nutrients to the brain while preventing the entry of harmful substances. The BBB is a specialized, highly selective barrier formed by tightly packed endothelial cells that line the brain capillaries. These cells are connected by tight junctions, restricting the passage of most molecules. Lipid transport across the BBB is critical for supplying the brain with fatty acids, cholesterol, and other lipids that are essential for neuronal function and myelin formation.

There are several mechanisms involved in lipid transport across the BBB:

* **Passive diffusion:** Small, lipophilic lipids, like short-chain fatty acids, can passively diffuse across the BBB.
* **Facilitated diffusion:** Larger lipids, like long-chain fatty acids and cholesterol, require specialized transporters to facilitate their entry into the brain. These transporters include:
* **Fatty acid transport proteins (FATPs):** Bind and transport long-chain fatty acids across the BBB.
* **Apolipoproteins:** These proteins are involved in the transport of cholesterol and other lipids in the bloodstream. Some apolipoproteins, such as apoE, can bind to specific receptors on BBB endothelial cells and mediate the transport of cholesterol into the brain.
* **ABCA1 and ABCG1:** These ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are involved in the efflux of cholesterol from the brain.

* **Receptor-mediated endocytosis:** This process involves the internalization of lipid-containing particles, such as lipoproteins, by BBB endothelial cells through specific receptors.

The regulation of lipid transport across the BBB is critical for maintaining brain homeostasis. Dysregulation of lipid transport can contribute to various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Here are some key aspects of lipid transport across the BBB:

* **Lipid composition of the brain:** The brain has a high lipid content, with phospholipids, cholesterol, and sphingolipids being major components.
* **Energy requirements of the brain:** The brain relies heavily on lipids for energy production.
* **Myelin formation:** Lipids are essential for the formation and maintenance of myelin, the insulating sheath that surrounds nerve fibers.
* **Neurotransmitter synthesis:** Some lipids are precursors for the synthesis of neurotransmitters.

Understanding the mechanisms of lipid transport across the BBB is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies for treating neurological disorders associated with lipid dysregulation.'
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Compounds (10)