establishment of blood-retinal barrier
Definition
Target type: biologicalprocess
Establishment of the barrier between the blood and the retina. The blood-retinal barrier is located at two levels, forming an outer barrier in the retinal pigment epithelium and an inner barrier in the endothelial membrane of the retinal vessels. Both these membranes have tight junctions of the 'nonleaky' type. [PMID:25053619]
The blood-retinal barrier (BRB) is a highly specialized structure that regulates the passage of molecules between the blood and the retina, ensuring the delicate environment necessary for proper retinal function. It is formed by two major components: the inner blood-retinal barrier (iBRB) and the outer blood-retinal barrier (oBRB).
The iBRB is primarily composed of the tight junctions between the endothelial cells lining the retinal capillaries. These tight junctions are formed by transmembrane proteins that interact with each other and with the cytoskeleton of the cells, creating a barrier that restricts the passage of large molecules and fluids. The iBRB also expresses a variety of transporters and enzymes that regulate the passage of specific molecules, such as glucose, oxygen, and amino acids, into the retina.
The oBRB is formed by the tight junctions between the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, which are located between the choroid and the retina. The RPE cells are also responsible for maintaining the photoreceptor cells, and they play a crucial role in the visual cycle. The oBRB regulates the passage of nutrients and waste products between the choroid and the retina, and it also acts as a barrier to protect the retina from harmful substances in the blood.
The establishment of the BRB is a complex process that begins during development and continues throughout life. The formation of tight junctions is essential for the development of the BRB, and it is influenced by a variety of factors, including growth factors, cytokines, and transcription factors.
The BRB is a dynamic structure that is constantly adapting to changing conditions. For example, during inflammation, the BRB can become leaky, allowing for the passage of inflammatory cells and molecules. This can contribute to damage to the retina and vision loss.
In summary, the establishment of the BRB is a complex process that involves the formation of tight junctions between endothelial cells and RPE cells, the expression of specific transporters and enzymes, and the regulation by a variety of factors. The BRB is essential for maintaining the health and function of the retina, and its breakdown can lead to a variety of retinal diseases.'
"
Proteins (1)
| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Catenin beta-1 | A catenin beta-1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:WCB, UniProtKB:P35222] | Homo sapiens (human) |
Compounds (6)
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| salvin | salvin: a biocyclic diterpenoid; from sage and rosemary (Lamiaceae) | abietane diterpenoid; carbotricyclic compound; catechols; monocarboxylic acid | angiogenesis modulating agent; anti-inflammatory agent; antineoplastic agent; antioxidant; apoptosis inducer; food preservative; HIV protease inhibitor; plant metabolite |
| toxoflavin | toxoflavin : A pyrimidotriazine that is 1,6-dimethyl-1,5,6,7-tetrahydropyrimido[5,4-e][1,2,4]triazine with oxo groups at positions 5 and 7. toxoflavin: azapteridine antibiotic; structure | carbonyl compound; pyrimidotriazine | antibacterial agent; antineoplastic agent; apoptosis inducer; bacterial metabolite; toxin; virulence factor; Wnt signalling inhibitor |
| cercosporin | cercosporin : An organic heterohexacyclic compound that is perylo[1,12-def][1,3]dioxepine-6,11-dione substituted by hydroxy groups at positions 5 and 12, by methoxy groups at positions 7 and 10, and by 2-hydroxypropyl groups at positions 8 and 9 (the R,R-stereoisomer). It is a phytotoxin which was first isolated from the pathogenic soybean fungus, Cercospora kikuchii and later found in multiple members of the genus Cercospora. cercosporin: phyytotoxin from Cercospora beticola Sacc; posses photodynamic action on mice, bacteria & plants | ||
| LSM-42773 | aromatic ketone | ||
| etodolac, (-)-isomer | (R)-etodolac : The R-enantiomer of etodolac. It is inactive, in contrast to the enantiomer, (S)-etodolac, which is a preferential inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase 2 and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. The racemate is commonly used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and for the alleviation of postoperative pain. | etodolac | |
| ucn 1028 c | calphostin C: structure given in first source; isolated from Cladosporium cladosporioides |