Molecular Parallels between Neural and Vascular Development

Abstract

Anatomical parallels between the nervous and the vascular system are readily apparent in peripheral body tissues, where blood vessels and nerves ramify throughout nearly all domains of the body and are usually aligned. To orchestrate the formation of their highly branched, exquisitely wired networks, nerves and blood vessels have developed shared cellular andmolecular principles. At the cellular level, axons of developing neurons and capillaries use specialized motile structures to ensure their directional guidance. In axons, a growth cone is situated at the axon extremity and ensures axon guidance towards its distant target. In blood vessels, specialized motile endothelial cells (EC) situated at the capillary tips ensure capillary guidance during sprouting angiogenesis. Molecularly, common signaling molecules guide vascular and axonal outgrowth. Axonal growth cones and tip cells express receptors for axon guidance molecules, including Neuropilin receptors (Nrps), Eph family receptor tyrosine kinases, Ple...