Image created by Medical Arts depicts a transport protein called Mfsd2a (purple) in the endothelial membrane of the blood-brain barrier. A study led by Doreen Matthies, Ph.D, of NICHD reveals how Mfsd2a transports docosahexaenoic acid (yellow and red) across the membrane in a multi-step process. Docosahexaenoic acid is an essential omega-3 fatty acid and is important for nervous system health and function. Greater understanding of lipid transport across the blood-brain barrier may enable researchers to design drug molecules that are capable of directly reaching the brain. Artwork was generated using 3D data models provided by the research team.
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