The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is more than just a wall — it’s a dynamic interface, and pericytes are among its most critical gatekeepers. In this live session, Dr. Mobeen Syed explores the often-overlooked yet pivotal role of pericytes in maintaining BBB integrity, suppressing endothelial transcytosis, and clearing amyloid-beta (Aβ) via phagocytosis.
We'll examine how pericyte dysfunction contributes to increased BBB permeability, neuroinflammation, and Alzheimer’s disease pathology.
The talk will also highlight key molecular players such as Mfsd2a, PDGFRβ, and alpha-secretase, and will conclude with an overview of therapeutic strategies — from pharmacologic agents like imatinib and statins, to lifestyle interventions, omega-3s, and experimental cell-based therapies.

Whether you're a clinician, researcher, or curious learner, this session will help you appreciate why protecting pericytes may be one of the most powerful strategies to protect the brain itself.

Objective:

• By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:
• Define the structural and functional role of pericytes in maintaining blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity.
• Describe the mechanisms by which pericyte loss leads to increased endothelial transcytosis and BBB permeability, including the role of Mfsd2a.
• Explain the protective function of alpha-secretase in preventing amyloid-beta (Aβ) formation and how it contrasts with the amyloidogenic pathway.
• Discuss the ability of pericytes to phagocytose amyloid-beta, and the implications of impaired clearance in Alzheimer’s disease.
• Evaluate current and emerging therapeutic interventions aimed at preserving pericyte function and restoring BBB integrity, including pharmacologic agents (e.g., imatinib, statins) and lifestyle-based strategies (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids, exercise, sleep).
• Apply this knowledge to conceptualize clinical implications for neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and chronic neuroinflammation.