Characterization, isolation, and in vitro culture of leptomeningeal fibroblasts.

Meninges, or the membranous coverings of the brain and spinal cord, play host to dozens of morbid pathologies. In this study we provide a method to isolate the leptomeningeal cell layer, identify leptomeninges in histologic slides, and maintain leptomeningeal fibroblasts in in vitro culture. Using an array of transcriptomic, histological, and cytometric analyses, we identified ICAM1 and SLC38A2 as two novel markers of leptomeningeal cells in vivo and in vitro. Our results confirm the fibroblastoid nature of leptomeningeal cells and their ability to form a sheet-like layer that covers the brain and spine parenchyma. These findings will enable researchers in central nervous system barriers to describe leptomeningeal cell functions in health and disease.

Synthesis of an Alkynyl Methylglyoxal Probe to Investigate Nonenzymatic Histone Glycation.

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a reactive dicarbonyl metabolite that modifies histones in vivo and induces changes in chromatin structure and function. Here we report the synthesis and application of a chemical probe for investigating MGO-glycation. A two-step synthesis of a Cu-click compatible alkynyl oxoaldehyde probe (AlkMGO) via sequential Dess-Martin and Riley oxidations is presented. This synthesis elevates the accessibility and utility of an important tool for tracking, enriching, and studying MGO-glycation to aid in understanding its underlying biochemical functions.