Edited by Elizabeth de Lange, Britta Engelhardt and Danica Stanimirovic
Studies of the molecular nature and physiology of brain barriers have been long constrained by a scarcity of appropriate models and methodological approaches. At the same time the importance of brain barriers in all aspects of brain function, pathology and treatment of diseases with targets in the CNS, is increasingly acknowledged. New concepts, approaches, methods and models have started to emerge, promising transformative future leaps in understanding and addressing brain barriers, associated diseases, and treatment considerations.
This thematic issue on Brain Barriers and their Microenvironment: Emerging Models and Techniques presented by Fluids and Barriers of the CNS offers in-depth overviews of currently available state-of-the art experimental procedures and approaches to study brain barriers in context and in concert with their micro- and macro-environment created by both the CNS and the periphery. The issue covers a range of experimental protocols from molecular interrogation of subcellular barrier compartments to in vivo imaging techniques for dynamic and quantitative assessments of barrier functions. Publications within this series will provide both critical overviews and technical advice on techniques and protocols applicable to both outstanding and emerging questions relating to the biology and physiology of brain barriers.
This collection of articles has not been sponsored and articles have undergone the journal’s standard peer-review process. The Guest Editors declare no competing interests.