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Visualization and Quantitative Analysis of Embryonic Angiogenesis in Xenopus tropicalis
Published on: May 25, 2017
XRASGRP2 is essential for blood vessel formation during Xenopus development
Kan Suzuki1, Shuji Takahashi, Yoshikazu Haramoto
1Department of Pediatric Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
The International Journal of Developmental Biology
|July 15, 2009
Summary
Ras guanyl nucleotide-releasing protein 2 (RASGRP2) is crucial for blood vessel formation. Studies in Xenopus showed that XRASGRP2, the frog
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein 2 (RASGRP2) regulates integrin activation in blood cells.
- Its role in endothelial cells and vascular development is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of the Xenopus ortholog of RASGRP2 (XRASGRP2) in vascular development.
- To explore the upstream signaling pathways regulating XRASGRP2 in endothelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Over-expression and knockdown of XRASGRP2 in Xenopus embryos.
- Analysis of vascular formation and endothelial cell induction.
- Investigating the effect of VEGF-A on XRASGRP2 expression.
Main Results:
- XRASGRP2 over-expression led to ectopic blood vessel formation.
- XRASGRP2 knockdown resulted in delayed vascular development.
- XRASGRP2 expression is regulated by VEGF-A and is essential for VEGF-A-induced endothelial cell formation.
Conclusions:
- XRASGRP2 plays a vital role in vascular development in Xenopus.
- XRASGRP2 is a key mediator of VEGF-A signaling in endothelial cells.
