Cerebrovascular disease–associated proteins (CBVD-associated proteins)

Cerebrovascular disease–associated proteins refer to a heterogeneous group of proteins involved in the pathogenesis, progression, and clinical manifestation of vascular disorders affecting the brain, such as ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) [1, 3, 4]. This category encompasses a wide range of molecular classes, including extracellular matrix proteins (e.g., COL2A1, HTRA1), inflammatory mediators (e.g., complement factors C1q, C3a), and signaling receptors (e.g., NOTCH3, P2X7R, EPHA2) [1, 3, 6, 9]. These proteins play critical roles in maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity, regulating cerebral blood flow, and mediating neuroinflammatory responses following vascular injury [2, 7, 9]. While some members of this group, such as HMG-CoA reductase (targeted by statins) and PDE5, are established therapeutic targets, many others serve primarily as biomarkers for disease risk or progression [1, 11, 18]. The diversity of these proteins reflects the complex multi-factorial nature of cerebrovascular pathologies, making them a focus for precision medicine and novel drug discovery efforts aimed at neuroprotection and vascular repair [10, 12]. Recent proteomic and Mendelian randomization studies continue to identify novel candidates within this group that may serve as future targets for treating vascular-related cognitive impairment and stroke [1, 10].

Other names

CBVD-associated proteinsStroke-associated proteinsCerebral small vessel disease-associated proteinsCVD-associated proteins

Varies by specific protein; includes HMG-CoA reductase inhibition, PDE5 inhibition, P2X7 receptor modulation, and VEGF signaling regulation [9, 11, 12, 15].