Extended Data Fig. 6: Neural MOF depletion causes breakdown of neural microvasculature.
a, Heatmap showing enrichment of pericyte markers in cultured primary brain pericytes. The assay was repeated 3 times (represented by the 3 replicates). b, Examples of control Nes-CreT/+ capillaries. 63 capillaries of 2 Nes-CreT/+ brains were analysed. c, Electron microscopy images of select Mof-nKO capillaries. Images i and ii show collapsed capillaries with only remnants visible (marked by red asterisks). Capillaries from Mof-nKO brains were highly dilated (iv, v, vi, viii, xi and xii for example, marked with asterisks), often showed breakdown or thinning of the vessel-associated extracellular matrix (red arrows in images iii, iv, v, vii, ix and x), as well as detaching pericytes (black arrows in images vi, vii, ix and x). 79 capillaries of 2 Mof-nKO brains were analysed. Full quantifications are provided in Fig. 6c-e. d, Quantification of vessel branching (bifurcations). PECAM1 and PDGFRβ staining was undertaken. Four matching areas of the cortex were imaged, vasculature rendered using the Imaris software and the number of bifurcations determined. n = 3 animals per genotype; 2 sections per animal; 4 cortical areas per section. e, Quantification of mural cells at blood vessels. E14.5 brain sections were stained for PECAM1 and PDGFRβ and the ratio of PDGFRβ:PECAM1 staining intensity was used as a readout for the presence of mural cells. n = 2 animals per genotype. f, FACS identification and quantification of endothelial cells (PECAM1+, CD102+, CD45–, CD41–) and pericytes (PDGFRβhigh, CD11b–, CD45–, CD41–, PECAM1–, CD102–) in Mof-nKO and Nes-CreT/+ brains. Endothelial cells: n = 4 Mof-nKO, 3 Nes-CreT/+; Pericytes: n = 10 Mof-nKO, 7 Nes-CreT/+ brains. Data in panels d and f are presented as mean ± s.e.m. and were analysed using a two-tailed Student’s t-test. Scale bars are provided in μm. E – endothelial cell, P – pericyte. Statistical source data are shown in Source Data Extended Data Fig. 6.
