Nielsen Group – Blood Brain Barrier

The group is focused on subcellular trafficking of the Vps10p-D receptors and other receptors systems in the Blood-Brain-Barrier, neurons and polarized cells.

Research Focus

Our primary focus is receptor-mediated transport systems in brain endothelial cells, which have the potential to mediate transcytosis of nanocarriers across the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB). Though, previous studies using the transferrin receptor and LRP1 have succeeded in transporting drugs across the endothelium, the mechanisms are far from understood. In our group we will characterize different subcellular trafficking routes of known and novel receptors in brain endothelial cells, in order to find the optimal receptor systems for drug delivery to the brain. Our work includes a detailed classification of the endo-lysosomal system and functional internalization mechanisms in in vitro models of the BBB.

We are also characterizing Vps10pD receptor trafficking in other polarized cells, such as neurons and epithelial cells. Our studies are primarily based on state-of-the-arte imaging system such as confocal, spinning disk, high content screening and TIRF in combination with in vitro BBB models.

Available projects

The Nielsen group currently has projects available for Master and PhD students. Please contact Associated Group Leader Morten S. Nielsen directly, if interested.