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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
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Mouse Embryonic Lung Culture, A System to Evaluate the Molecular Mechanisms of Branching
Published on: July 1, 2010
Embryonic vasculogenesis by endothelial precursor cells derived from lung mesenchyme
A L Akeson1, B Wetzel, F Y Thompson
1Children's Hospital Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA. akesa0@chmcc.org
Summary
Mouse fetal lung mesenchyme cell lines (MFLM) were identified as endothelial precursors. These MFLM cells can form vascular networks in vitro and contribute to lung and heart vasculature in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Vascular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The embryonic lung mesenchyme is crucial for lung vascularization.
- Vascular development involves vasculogenesis and angiogenesis.
- Understanding lung vascularization requires models of endothelial progenitor cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize mouse fetal lung mesenchyme (MFLM) cell lines.
- To assess the potential of MFLM cells as endothelial precursors.
- To establish models for studying cardiopulmonary vascularization.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and cloning of MFLM cell lines from embryonic mouse lungs.
- RNA analysis for vascular-specific gene expression (VEGFRs, Tie receptors and ligands).
- In vitro culture on basement membrane to assess network formation.
- In vivo studies using blastocyst injection to evaluate chimerization.
Main Results:
- Two MFLM cell lines (MFLM-4 and MFLM-91U) exhibited endothelial lineage characteristics.
- These cell lines expressed key genes involved in vascular development.
- MFLM cells formed capillary-like networks in vitro and contributed to lung and heart vasculature in vivo.
Conclusions:
- MFLM-4 and MFLM-91U cells serve as reliable endothelial precursors.
- These cell lines provide valuable models for studying lung and heart vascularization.
- The study highlights the role of lung mesenchyme in providing vascular progenitors.
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