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Updated: May 28, 2026

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Two-step Approach to Explore Early- and Late-stages of Organ Formation in the Avian Model: The Thymus and Parathyroid Glands Organogenesis Paradigm
Published on: June 17, 2018
Early arterial differentiation and patterning in the avian embryo model
Robert J Garriock1, Takashi Mikawa
1University of California San Francisco, USA.
Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology
|October 25, 2011
Summary
The avian embryo model reveals how BMP and Notch signaling regulate vascular patterning. Discoveries show BMP antagonists precisely control signaling activation for arterial development in embryos.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Vascular Biology
- Embryology
Background:
- The avian embryo is a powerful model for studying vascular biology and circulatory system development.
- Previous research has provided insights into endothelial cell recruitment, assembly, and remodeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight discoveries in avian systems regarding arterial patterning regulation.
- To explain the role of signaling pathways in vascular development using the dorsal aortae model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized gain-of-function experiments with spatial and temporal control.
- Focused on dorsal aortae development along the embryonic midline during gastrulation and neurulation.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated BMP signaling's pivotal role in vascular recruitment, patterning, and remodeling.
- Showed Notch-signaling recruits vascular precursor cells to the dorsal aortae.
- Highlighted that BMP antagonists precisely define BMP signaling activation regions.
Conclusions:
- Both positive and negative signaling pathways are crucial for regulating vascular patterning.
- Early arterial patterning along the embryonic midline shows similarities across amniotes (avian, mammalian, human).
- These patterns evolved from non-amniotes like fish and frogs.
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