Vector Laboratories, Inc.

Earlier this month, we hosted a technical seminar at Regeneron’s Tarrytown, NY campus. “Innovations in Research Tools” featured a deep dive into lectins and glycan detection, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence workflows, and toolboxes for specialty chemistry and bioconjugation, followed by a Q&A session.

Jason Shields, Business Development Manager, opened the session, and Erika Leonard, Director of R&D, provided closing remarks. Thanks to Regeneron for hosting and to everyone who attended and shared their expertise and curiosity.

In recent Nature study, “Non-invasive characterization of pericyte dysfunction in mouse brain using functional ultrasound localization microscopy,” researchers showed that cerebral microvascular alterations caused by pericyte detachment can be visualized in vivo using functional ultrasound localization microscopy (fULM). Deletion of endothelial endoglin in adult mice disrupts pericyte coverage in the arteriole–capillary transition (ACT) zone, leading to dilated, irregular capillaries with reduced blood flow and impaired neurovascular coupling. Treatment with the TGFβ activator C381 restored pericyte coverage and normalized vascular responses, highlighting a potential therapeutic avenue.

Why it matters:

▶️ fLUM can detect discrete, early pericyte-induced microvascular changes non-invasively, with high spatial and temporal resolution

▶️ The technology provides a platform for monitoring pericyte-focused therapies and studying early cerebrovascular disease mechanisms, such as in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).

Takeaway:

This work uncovers the functional consequences of pericyte detachment in the ACT zone, establishes fULM as a powerful imaging platform for brain microvasculature, and demonstrates the therapeutic potential of targeting TGFβ signaling to restore pericyte function.

Find the full study in Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41551-025-01465-x

Or follow the links below to learn more about the products from Vector Laboratories used in the study:

▶️ Biotinylated Griffonia simplicifolia lectin (isolectin-B4, B-1205) was used to stain endothelial cells, confirm endoglin detection, and label smooth muscle cells: https://vectorlabs.com/products/biotinylated-griffonia-simplicifolia-gsl-bsl/?srsltid=AfmBOoqWZynMVUu4xqERwK7XQMvRZqGJUkcG2EKH5IpdCLQ6i_X7vgVV

From our bench to yours. 🧑‍🔬 Our experts are here to support your research. This week's wisdom is provided by Anjali Haridasan, Lead Technical Support Specialist.

Learn more about LSBio brand IHC-Plus™ Antibodies from Vector Laboratories: https://www.lsbio.com/products/antibodies/ihc-plus