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The neural tube patterns vessels developmentally using the VEGF signaling pathway
Kelly A Hogan1, Carrie A Ambler, Deborah L Chapman
1Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3280, USA.
Development (Cambridge, England)
|March 5, 2004
Summary
The neural tube acts as a midline signaling center, guiding embryonic blood vessel pattern formation. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) is essential for this vascular patterning process.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Vascular biology
- Embryogenesis
Background:
- Embryonic blood vessel patterning is crucial but poorly understood.
- The signals directing vascular plexus formation around the neural tube are not well characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural tube's role in patterning the perineural vascular plexus (PNVP).
- To identify signals involved in neural tube-induced vascular patterning.
Main Methods:
- Surgical and genetic manipulation of neural tubes in mouse models.
- Mouse-quail chimeras to assess signal distance.
- Collagen explant model and co-culture systems.
- Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of VEGFA signaling.
Main Results:
- Ectopic neural tubes induced vascular plexus formation, confirming the neural tube as a signaling source.
- Neural tube signals were shown to act at a distance.
- Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) expression correlated with PNVP formation.
- VEGFA signaling through FLK1 was identified as a necessary component of the neural tube's vascular patterning signal.
Conclusions:
- The neural tube is the first identified midline signaling center for embryonic vascular pattern formation in higher vertebrates.
- VEGFA is a necessary component of the neural tube's vascular patterning signal.
- Embryonic structures lacking angioblast generation capacity can serve as vascular patterning nexuses.