During development, the central nervous system (CNS) vasculature grows to precisely meet the metabolic demands of neurons and glia. In addition, the vast majority of the CNS vasculature acquires a unique set of molecular and cellular properties—collectively referred to as the blood–brain barrier—that minimize passive diffusion of molecules between the blood and the CNS parenchyma. Both of these processes are controlled by signals emanating from neurons and glia. In this review, we describe the nature and mechanisms-of-action of these signals, with an emphasis on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and beta-catenin (canonical Wnt) signaling, the two best-understood systems that regulate CNS vascular development. We highlight foundational discoveries, interactions between different signaling systems, the integration of genetic and cell biological studies, advances that are of clinical relevance, and questions for future research.

中文翻译：

---

神经血管发育中的信号通路

在发育过程中，中枢神经系统 (CNS) 脉管系统不断生长，以精确满足神经元和神经胶质细胞的代谢需求。此外，绝大多数中枢神经系统脉管系统具有一组独特的分子和细胞特性（统称为血脑屏障），可最大限度地减少血液和中枢神经系统实质之间分子的被动扩散。这两个过程都是由神经元和神经胶质细胞发出的信号控制的。在这篇综述中，我们描述了这些信号的性质和作用机制，重点是血管内皮生长因子 (VEGF) 和 β-连环蛋白（经典 Wnt）信号传导，这是调节中枢神经系统血管发育的两个最容易理解的系统。我们重点介绍基础性发现、不同信号系统之间的相互作用、遗传和细胞生物学研究的整合、与临床相关的进展以及未来研究的问题。