Gatekeeper KLF4 in Brain Vessels Linked to Age-Related Cognitive Decline

Researchers identified the endothelial protein KLF4 as a key driver of aging-related blood-brain barrier breakdown and cognitive decline. Loss of KLF4 makes the BBB leakier, reduces brain microvasculature, and triggers oxidative damage and neuroinflammation in mice, accelerating aging-like brain changes; single-cell RNA sequencing linked disrupted immune and barrier pathways, highlighting a potential therapeutic target to slow neurovascular aging.