Communications Biology· 2026Q1
Brain defence by the extracellular matrix protein Cochlin
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- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
The extracellular matrix protein Cochlin is secreted by brain barrier tissues and actively defends against bacterial infection by reducing bacterial load.
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Key points
- Cochlin is expressed in brain barrier structures like the pineal gland, choroid plexus, and meninges in zebrafish, mice, and humans.
- Cochlin protein is found in cerebrospinal fluid and on the surface of ventricles and meninges.
- Cochlin expression is upregulated in the brain during infection.
- Recombinant Cochlin reduced bacterial load in Mycobacterium marinum-infected zebrafish.
- Mutating cochlin impaired bacterial clearance, which was restored by supplying an immune-related domain of Cochlin.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Abstract The vertebrate brain is protected from infection by tight barriers. However, several barrier structures, including circumventricular organs, can be breached by pathogens. Here, we show that Cochlin, an extracellular matrix-binding protein with anti-bacterial properties, is produced in barrier structures and contributes to immune defence. Transcriptome analysis and in situ hybridisation indicate that cochlin is expressed in the pineal gland, area postrema, choroid plexus and discrete regions of the meninges of zebrafish, mice and humans. The protein is present in the cerebrospinal fluid, and on the surface of ventricle and meninges. Cochlin expression increases in the brain of infected animals and patients, and delivery of recombinant Cochlin reduces bacterial load in zebrafish infected with Mycobacterium marinum . Mutation of cochlin inhibits clearance of bacteria from the brain of zebrafish, and this is reversed by supplying the domain of Cochlin that is implicated in immunity. Barrier tissues thus contribute to brain defence by secreting Cochlin.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Communications Biology, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Developmental Neuroscience
Developmental NeuroscienceNeuroscience