Cranial pericytes derived from neural crest cells reveal an inherent cell type-specific defect in Alzheimer''s Disease

Forebrain microvasculature is defective in Alzheimer''s disease. To model the role of cranial pericytes in influencing endothelial cell functions, we developed a method for cranial-pericyte derivation from iPSCs. Our studies reveal inherent defects in cranial pericytes from familial AD iPSC. We also demonstrate a similar pathophysiology in perimary pericytes isolated from sporadic AD patients that can be rescued. Overall design: Comparison of primary and in vitro derived pericytes, as well as fAD and sAD versus control pericytes