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The central nervous system (CNS) establishes highly specialized, heterogeneous vascular and barrier systems that are markedly distinct from those in peripheral organs. This heterogeneity is essential for region-specific CNS functions and for maintaining its unique tissue environment. Yet, little is known about how CNS vasculature and barriers develop into specialized mature systems, presenting a significant knowledge gap in neurobiology. Since vascular and barrier integrity loss is a common hallmark of various neurological disorders, elucidating their developmental programs has important clinical relevance.

In this seminar, I will present our ongoing efforts to define the embryonic origins and genetic basis of cerebrovascular heterogeneity using zebrafish as a model system. By integrating single-cell fate mapping, morphometric analysis, time-lapse cell tracking, and genetic screening approaches, our recent work has uncovered new developmental principles of cerebrovascular heterogeneity, highlighting critical roles for angiogenic programs, endothelial lineages, and vascular morphometrics in shaping region-specific CNS vascular properties. Lastly, I will introduce our expanding efforts to leverage this growing expertise to understand diverse CNS barrier specializations beyond the vasculature.