Ruslan Rust
@rrust.bsky.social
Asst Prof at @keckmedicineusc.bsky.social with interest in the #brain, #BBB, #stemcells and what can go wrong following #stroke & #AD. 🧠 🔬 Alumni of @ethzurich.bsky.social
New in @natureportfolio.nature.com on microglial regulation in Alzheimer’s disease. The study shows that microglia with low PU.1 expression and surface CD28 reduce amyloid pathology and inflammation. It highlights immune co-stimulatory pathways as potential targets in AD. Very interesting!
November 7, 2025 at 10:13 PM
New in @natureportfolio.nature.com on microglial regulation in Alzheimer’s disease. The study shows that microglia with low PU.1 expression and surface CD28 reduce amyloid pathology and inflammation. It highlights immune co-stimulatory pathways as potential targets in AD. Very interesting!
Great work 👏 mapping how brain endothelial cells communicate with astrocyte endfeet at the blood–brain barrier in @natureportfolio.nature.com
The study identifies ligand–receptor pairs conserved in humans and altered in MS and Alzheimer’s.
Makes me also wonder how many could be druggable targets.
The study identifies ligand–receptor pairs conserved in humans and altered in MS and Alzheimer’s.
Makes me also wonder how many could be druggable targets.
November 6, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Great work 👏 mapping how brain endothelial cells communicate with astrocyte endfeet at the blood–brain barrier in @natureportfolio.nature.com
The study identifies ligand–receptor pairs conserved in humans and altered in MS and Alzheimer’s.
Makes me also wonder how many could be druggable targets.
The study identifies ligand–receptor pairs conserved in humans and altered in MS and Alzheimer’s.
Makes me also wonder how many could be druggable targets.
Interesting new work @natureportfolio.nature.com showing that a small molecule identified through in silico transcriptome matching (thiorphan) enhances corticospinal regeneration after spinal cord injury. Combined with neural stem cell grafts, it improved forelimb recovery and axonal growth.
November 4, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Interesting new work @natureportfolio.nature.com showing that a small molecule identified through in silico transcriptome matching (thiorphan) enhances corticospinal regeneration after spinal cord injury. Combined with neural stem cell grafts, it improved forelimb recovery and axonal growth.
Interesting new work modeling human cholinergic circuitry! Researchers generated nbM organoids from hPSCs and fused them with cortical organoids to form functional nbM–cortical assembloids. This provides a platform to study deficits seen in Down syndrome. @cp-cellstemcell.bsky.social
November 4, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Interesting new work modeling human cholinergic circuitry! Researchers generated nbM organoids from hPSCs and fused them with cortical organoids to form functional nbM–cortical assembloids. This provides a platform to study deficits seen in Down syndrome. @cp-cellstemcell.bsky.social
The brain neurovascular epigenome and its association with dementia @cp-neuron.bsky.social
Great study that maps cell-type-specific regulomes showing that small vessel disease heritability spans the neurovascular unit, incl astrocytes.
These findings link vascular risk and Alzheimer’s mechanisms.
Great study that maps cell-type-specific regulomes showing that small vessel disease heritability spans the neurovascular unit, incl astrocytes.
These findings link vascular risk and Alzheimer’s mechanisms.
November 4, 2025 at 5:32 AM
The brain neurovascular epigenome and its association with dementia @cp-neuron.bsky.social
Great study that maps cell-type-specific regulomes showing that small vessel disease heritability spans the neurovascular unit, incl astrocytes.
These findings link vascular risk and Alzheimer’s mechanisms.
Great study that maps cell-type-specific regulomes showing that small vessel disease heritability spans the neurovascular unit, incl astrocytes.
These findings link vascular risk and Alzheimer’s mechanisms.
Pluripotent Cells Expressing APOE4 Exhibit a Pronounced Pro-Apoptotic Phenotype Accompanied by Markers of Hyperinflammation and a Blunted NF-κB Response
www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26...
www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26...
October 30, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Pluripotent Cells Expressing APOE4 Exhibit a Pronounced Pro-Apoptotic Phenotype Accompanied by Markers of Hyperinflammation and a Blunted NF-κB Response
www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26...
www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26...
Important study shows that a new 3D method can efficiently produce dopamine neuron precursors from stem cells. The researchers also tracked how these cells grow and connect after transplantation, big step for Parkinson’s disease treatment!
cell.com/cell-stem-ce...
cell.com/cell-stem-ce...
October 30, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Important study shows that a new 3D method can efficiently produce dopamine neuron precursors from stem cells. The researchers also tracked how these cells grow and connect after transplantation, big step for Parkinson’s disease treatment!
cell.com/cell-stem-ce...
cell.com/cell-stem-ce...
Great study dissecting molecular hallmarks of neuronal resilience in Alzheimer’s disease highlighting natural protective mechanisms that could help preserve cognition.
x.com/rust_ruslan/...
x.com/rust_ruslan/...
October 30, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Great study dissecting molecular hallmarks of neuronal resilience in Alzheimer’s disease highlighting natural protective mechanisms that could help preserve cognition.
x.com/rust_ruslan/...
x.com/rust_ruslan/...
Can stem cells help to regain brain function after stroke?
Our new study in NatureComms @natureportfolio.nature.com shows that they can and dissect the key mechanisms driving recovery.
t.co/KRfAHfkNIH
Our new study in NatureComms @natureportfolio.nature.com shows that they can and dissect the key mechanisms driving recovery.
t.co/KRfAHfkNIH
September 21, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Can stem cells help to regain brain function after stroke?
Our new study in NatureComms @natureportfolio.nature.com shows that they can and dissect the key mechanisms driving recovery.
t.co/KRfAHfkNIH
Our new study in NatureComms @natureportfolio.nature.com shows that they can and dissect the key mechanisms driving recovery.
t.co/KRfAHfkNIH
Since mouse pericytes have been shown to clear Aβ and tau from the brain, we showed that our iPSC-pericytes are also capable of clearing Aβ and tau, and that this clearance is dependent on the lipoprotein receptor LRP1, a major Aβ clearance receptor.
April 10, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Since mouse pericytes have been shown to clear Aβ and tau from the brain, we showed that our iPSC-pericytes are also capable of clearing Aβ and tau, and that this clearance is dependent on the lipoprotein receptor LRP1, a major Aβ clearance receptor.
Functionally, iPSC-pericyte transplantation locally restored BBB integrity and promoted neuronal survival in the hippocampus of pericyte-deficient mice
April 10, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Functionally, iPSC-pericyte transplantation locally restored BBB integrity and promoted neuronal survival in the hippocampus of pericyte-deficient mice
To assess if the homing effect can be also seen in vivo, we next transplanted iPSC-pericytes into the hippocampi of pericyte-deficient mice. Similar to the ex vivo results, we confirmed that iPSC-pericytes can home to brain capillaries of mice in vivo
April 10, 2025 at 11:09 PM
To assess if the homing effect can be also seen in vivo, we next transplanted iPSC-pericytes into the hippocampi of pericyte-deficient mice. Similar to the ex vivo results, we confirmed that iPSC-pericytes can home to brain capillaries of mice in vivo
Next, we confirmed a functional iPSC-pericyte–vasculature association using a proximity ligation assay (PLA) targeting two known pericyte–endothelium interactions: PDGF-BB/PDGFRB and vitronectin/ITGA5
April 10, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Next, we confirmed a functional iPSC-pericyte–vasculature association using a proximity ligation assay (PLA) targeting two known pericyte–endothelium interactions: PDGF-BB/PDGFRB and vitronectin/ITGA5
To assess the specificity of homing, we downregulated PDGFRB a key pericyte surface receptor involved in cell adhesion in iPSC-pericytes (using siRNA), which resulted in reduced homing.
April 10, 2025 at 11:09 PM
To assess the specificity of homing, we downregulated PDGFRB a key pericyte surface receptor involved in cell adhesion in iPSC-pericytes (using siRNA), which resulted in reduced homing.
Then we asked whether iPSC-pericytes can home to brain capillaries in host brains with reduced pericyte coverage. We added our cells to live brain slices of pericyte-deficient mice
April 10, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Then we asked whether iPSC-pericytes can home to brain capillaries in host brains with reduced pericyte coverage. We added our cells to live brain slices of pericyte-deficient mice
Next we show iPSC-pericytes help with the formation of blood-brain barrier tight junction proteins in human brain endothelial cells.
April 10, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Next we show iPSC-pericytes help with the formation of blood-brain barrier tight junction proteins in human brain endothelial cells.
We first compared iPSC-pericytes and primary pericytes using proteomics/phosphoproteomics and found no major differences—iPSC-PC shared 96% of proteins and 98% of phosphopeptides, including key markers, adhesion proteins, and TFs.
April 10, 2025 at 11:09 PM
We first compared iPSC-pericytes and primary pericytes using proteomics/phosphoproteomics and found no major differences—iPSC-PC shared 96% of proteins and 98% of phosphopeptides, including key markers, adhesion proteins, and TFs.
New preprint🚨 We generated human brain pericytes from pluripotent stem cells. They show strong molecular & functional similarities to primary human brain pericytes
Transplanted into pericyte-deficient mice, they formed hybrid human-mouse microvessels🐭
biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Transplanted into pericyte-deficient mice, they formed hybrid human-mouse microvessels🐭
biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
April 10, 2025 at 11:09 PM
New preprint🚨 We generated human brain pericytes from pluripotent stem cells. They show strong molecular & functional similarities to primary human brain pericytes
Transplanted into pericyte-deficient mice, they formed hybrid human-mouse microvessels🐭
biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Transplanted into pericyte-deficient mice, they formed hybrid human-mouse microvessels🐭
biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
We also discuss few recent studies using e.g. gene and cell therapies to improve BBB integrity and neuronal function and much more!
March 25, 2025 at 4:14 PM
We also discuss few recent studies using e.g. gene and cell therapies to improve BBB integrity and neuronal function and much more!
So how can we protect or modify BBB function in AD?
One option is to enhance the clerance function for neurotoxic proteins at the BBB e.g. targeting lipoprotein receptors (LRP)
One option is to enhance the clerance function for neurotoxic proteins at the BBB e.g. targeting lipoprotein receptors (LRP)
March 25, 2025 at 4:14 PM
So how can we protect or modify BBB function in AD?
One option is to enhance the clerance function for neurotoxic proteins at the BBB e.g. targeting lipoprotein receptors (LRP)
One option is to enhance the clerance function for neurotoxic proteins at the BBB e.g. targeting lipoprotein receptors (LRP)
A new review from our lab exploring how the blood-brain barrier (BBB) can be used as a treatment target for neurodegenerative disorders
tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/...
TL;DR → Here are a few key highlights 👇
tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/...
TL;DR → Here are a few key highlights 👇
March 25, 2025 at 4:14 PM
A new review from our lab exploring how the blood-brain barrier (BBB) can be used as a treatment target for neurodegenerative disorders
tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/...
TL;DR → Here are a few key highlights 👇
tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/...
TL;DR → Here are a few key highlights 👇
New review from our lab in
@brain1878.bsky.social
We explore how molecular blood-brain barrier (BBB) changes in aging, neurodegeneration and stroke affect disease progression, delivery of therapeutics, and much more!
academic.oup.com/brain/advanc...
@brain1878.bsky.social
We explore how molecular blood-brain barrier (BBB) changes in aging, neurodegeneration and stroke affect disease progression, delivery of therapeutics, and much more!
academic.oup.com/brain/advanc...
February 21, 2025 at 12:25 AM
New review from our lab in
@brain1878.bsky.social
We explore how molecular blood-brain barrier (BBB) changes in aging, neurodegeneration and stroke affect disease progression, delivery of therapeutics, and much more!
academic.oup.com/brain/advanc...
@brain1878.bsky.social
We explore how molecular blood-brain barrier (BBB) changes in aging, neurodegeneration and stroke affect disease progression, delivery of therapeutics, and much more!
academic.oup.com/brain/advanc...
We found that increased long-term graft survival was mainly due to higher NPC proliferation within days after transplantation. In both groups, most grafts differentiated into neurons or glia, with no pluripotent residuals at 6 weeks after stroke
February 18, 2025 at 6:24 PM
We found that increased long-term graft survival was mainly due to higher NPC proliferation within days after transplantation. In both groups, most grafts differentiated into neurons or glia, with no pluripotent residuals at 6 weeks after stroke
Stem cell therapies hold great potential for stroke recovery; but when is the optimal time for transplantation? 🧠💉⏲️
Our latest preprint shows that delaying NPC therapy by one week post-stroke increases long-term graft survival 20-fold.
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Our latest preprint shows that delaying NPC therapy by one week post-stroke increases long-term graft survival 20-fold.
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
February 18, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Stem cell therapies hold great potential for stroke recovery; but when is the optimal time for transplantation? 🧠💉⏲️
Our latest preprint shows that delaying NPC therapy by one week post-stroke increases long-term graft survival 20-fold.
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Our latest preprint shows that delaying NPC therapy by one week post-stroke increases long-term graft survival 20-fold.
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
DeepSeek R1 is making headlines in the news and is being compared to OpenAI's o1. However, many have not read the preprint.
We invite you to evaluate the DeepSeek R1 preprint at
@researchhubf.bsky.social , and reward high-quality contributions with 150$ (in RSC).
researchhub.com/paper/916140...
We invite you to evaluate the DeepSeek R1 preprint at
@researchhubf.bsky.social , and reward high-quality contributions with 150$ (in RSC).
researchhub.com/paper/916140...
January 28, 2025 at 7:08 PM
DeepSeek R1 is making headlines in the news and is being compared to OpenAI's o1. However, many have not read the preprint.
We invite you to evaluate the DeepSeek R1 preprint at
@researchhubf.bsky.social , and reward high-quality contributions with 150$ (in RSC).
researchhub.com/paper/916140...
We invite you to evaluate the DeepSeek R1 preprint at
@researchhubf.bsky.social , and reward high-quality contributions with 150$ (in RSC).
researchhub.com/paper/916140...