Microvasculature as a Key Regulator of Health and Disease in the Brain and Beyond

Event Notes:

his meeting brings together experts in cardiovascular and metabolic physiology, neuroscience, and systems biology to examine the complex interplay between neuroendocrine regulation, micro-neuro-vascular function, cardiometabolic health, and cognitive decline.

A key focus will be the role of (neuro)vascular dysfunction in the early stages of (neuro)inflammatory, cardiometabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases. This dysfunction is a common underlying factor in a broad range of chronic conditions and worsens with age, contributing to multimorbidity.

Particular attention will be given to the neurovascular interface with the dynamic interactions between endothelial cells and pericytes, which are critical for maintaining microvascular integrity. Redox stress, increasingly recognized as a major contributor to vascular pathology, will be explored for its impact on these interactions and its role in compromising vascular function. Recent advancements in molecular imaging, genetic manipulation and redox-sensitive probes have provided unprecedented insights into the spatiotemporal dynamics of redox signalling within the vascular components. In this context, the meeting will illustrate the importance of studying physiological regulation and dysregulation of endothelial functions under normoxic conditions.

Understanding how vascular risk factors and microvascular dysfunction affect systemic and brain health is essential for identifying shared mechanisms across cardio- and neurovascular diseases, to inform precision prevention and treatment strategies.