The Role of Tissue Nonspecific Alkaline Phosphatase in Brain Endothelial Cell Homeostasis

There is a critical need to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying cerebrovascular function in both healthy and disease states associated with aging. The studies in this proposal will investigate how the brain endothelial cell enriched enzyme, tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), protects against the loss of cerebral function. The results will identify a potential therapeutic target that may be used to improve cerebrovascular function and functional recovery in age-related disorders.