The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a unique feature of the central nervous system vasculature that is critical for protecting the brain and maintaining neuronal homeostasis. Yet, BBB properties can vary between brain regions. While differences in BBB permeability are important for controlling the local brain environment to regulate specific neural circuits, how BBB heterogeneity occurs is poorly understood. Here, we compared the median eminence, which has naturally leaky blood vessels, with the cortex, which has an impermeable BBB, to investigate the molecular basis of BBB heterogeneity.

Data Visualization Tips:

To visualize data in specific cell classes and subtypes, use the “color by” and  “filter plotted cells” buttons on right. For example, to look at gene distribution across astrocyte subtypes, change “color by” to “cell_subcluster”, then filter data by cell_class “astrocytes.”

Expression distribution of single genes can be viewed in the UMAP plot in the “Scatter Tab”. The Zoom feature allows for closer visualization of subsets of the complete dataset. Expression can also be visualized as a violin plot in the “Distribution” tab.

Expression of multiple genes can be viewed together as heatmaps or dot plots in the “Dot plot” and “Heatmap” tabs. Enter multiple genes of interest in the search bar or upload as a list of genes.