Bioactive lipid signaling in the choroid plexus

Choroid Plexus Physiology

The onset of cognitive decline and gradual deterioration of physiological functions with age goes hand in hand with the changes in bioactive lipid signaling in the brain. One of the affected and the least studied organ in this regard is the choroid plexus. Situated in the brain ventricles, choroid plexuses produce and maintain cerebrospinal fluid and contribute significantly to the aging of the brain. The choroid plexus’s failure to maintain adequate cerebrospinal fluid perfusion is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease and traumatic brain injury.

The choroid plexus is particularly interesting in regards to its regulation by steroids, endocannabinoids, and other bioactive lipids, since steroid hormones are thought to regulate cerebrospinal fluid homeostasis, and some have been shown to exert potent neuroprotective action in animal models. Yet the mechanism of bioactive lipid action in choroid plexus remains elusive.

Our goal is to address two main questions of broad importance to the physiology of aging: 1) how bioactive lipid signaling influences the function of the choroid plexus of the aging brain, and 2) explores the mechanistic details of this regulation. The outcome of this research may identify new molecular targets to address age-related disorders and extend healthy lifespan.

Choroid plexus staining