Research area Molecular basis of the function of the neurovascular unit
The neurovascular unit (NVU) plays a key role in the maintenance of the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). Its most important cellular components are cerebral endothelial cells (interconnected by a continuous line of tight and adherens junctions), pericytes and astrocytes.

The main role of the NVU is the formation of a functionally active interface between the circulation and the CNS called the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the regulation of blood supply according to neuronal demand (neurovascular coupling).

Due to its complex functions the NVU plays an important role in clinical practice. First, the NVU is involved in the mechanism of a large number of CNS diseases like stroke, brain trauma and tumors as well as neurodegenerative disorders and is crucially involved in age related processes. Second, due to the relative impermeability of the barrier, many drugs are unable to reach the CNS in therapeutically relevant concentration, making the BBB one of the major impediments in the treatment of CNS disorders.

Our research is focused on the elucidation of molecular mechanisms regulating NVU function under physiological and pathological conditions. By using different in vitro models of the BBB and in vivo systems, presently we are investigating the role of the NVU in age related processes and and brain metastasis formation.

HONORS AND AWARDS
1997 Academy Award for Young Scientists
1999 Kisfaludy Lajos Foundation Award
2000 Janos Bolyai Research Award
2004 János Bolyai certificate of merit
2006 Tibor Wieser Award