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Foxo1 is essential for in vitro vascular formation from embryonic stem cells
Seung-Hwan Park1, Hiroshi Sakamoto, Kiyomi Tsuji-Tamura
1Department of Cell Differentiation, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|October 21, 2009
Summary
Forkhead box protein 1 (Foxo1) is crucial for endothelial cell morphology and vascular development. Its absence impairs cytoskeletal organization and smooth muscle cell recruitment, leading to abnormal blood vessel formation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Forkhead transcription factors are key regulators of vascular system organization.
- Foxo1 plays a significant role in endothelial cell morphology, but its mechanisms are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular functions of Foxo1 in vascular development.
- To elucidate the role of Foxo1 in endothelial cell organization and smooth muscle cell interaction.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a three-dimensional culture system for differentiating ES cell-derived mesodermal precursor cells.
- Examined endothelial cells with and without Foxo1 (Foxo1(+/+) and Foxo1(-/-)) for their ability to form vessel-like structures.
Main Results:
- Foxo1(+/+) endothelial cells formed long, vessel-like structures with smooth muscle cells.
- Foxo1(-/-) endothelial cells formed only short sprouts and exhibited altered cytoskeletal organization (filamentous actin, microtubules).
- Absence of Foxo1 led to a lack of interaction between endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells.
Conclusions:
- Foxo1 is involved in cytoskeletal remodeling within endothelial cells.
- Foxo1 plays a critical role in the recruitment of smooth muscle cells during vascular development.
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