Abstract
The vertebrate vascular system is comprised of a highly branched network of arteries, capillaries and veins that penetrates all body tissues. To build a functional network during development, endothelial cells must navigate through tissue corridors and precisely project to their targets. Recent results showed that specialized endothelial cells, resembling axonal growth cones, are located at the tips of growing capillaries. These endothelial tip cells guide outgrowing capillaries in response to gradients of extracellular matrix-bound vascular endothelial growth factor. We have identified several negative regulators of vessel branching, including the Notch ligand Delta-like4 and the UNC5B receptor for the axon guidance cue Netrin-1. Roles for these molecules in vessel morphogenesis during development and in pathological angiogenesis will be described.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
