The Role of Metalloproteinases in the Development of Ischemia-Induced Pathologies of the Blood-Brain Barrier

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) maintains brain homeostasis by regulating the transport of nutrients and macromolecules from the bloodstream. Its integrity is disrupted in a number of pathologies, such as ischemic stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, or inflammation, leading to loss of control over transport processes from the bloodstream to the brain, which causes hemorrhage, edema, and tissue death. BBB permeability is largely regulated by matrix metalloproteinases, a family of enzymes responsible for blood vessel remodeling, angiogenesis, and a number of other physiological and pathological processes. This review presents data on the structure of BBB and its pathological alterations caused by metalloproteinases, as well as the mechanisms regulating metalloproteinase activity and difficulties associated with studying these processes.