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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Micropatterning and Assembly of 3D Microvessels

Micropatterning and Assembly of 3D Microvessels

Published on: September 9, 2016

Plasma membrane-derived microvesicles released from tip endothelial cells during vascular sprouting.

Daniela Virgintino¹, Marco Rizzi, Mariella Errede

¹Human Anatomy and Histology Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Bari School of Medicine, Piazza Giulio Cesare, Policlinico, 70124, Bari, Italy. virgintino@histology.uniba.it

|August 14, 2012

Summary

Human fetal brain vascularization involves endothelial tip cells releasing microvesicles (MVs). These MVs, transported by filopodia, may guide tip cell navigation and regulate cell interactions during blood vessel formation.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Developmental Biology
Cell Biology

Background:

Human brain vascularization is a complex process crucial for development.
Endothelial cells form new blood vessels through tip-cell driven sprouting.
The precise mechanisms guiding tip cells and regulating vessel anastomosis are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of microvesicles (MVs) released by endothelial tip cells during human fetal brain vascularization.
To explore the potential function of filopodia in MV transport and cell-cell communication.

Main Methods:

Observation of activated CD31+/CD105+ endothelial cells in human fetal brain tissue.
Microscopic analysis of filopodial processes and associated plasma membrane-derived microvesicles (MVs).
Characterization of MV localization and interaction with endothelial filopodia.

Main Results:

Activated endothelial tip cells exhibit filopodial processes and release microvesicles (MVs).
MVs are concentrated around the tip cell's filopodia and appear to be transported along these processes.
MVs are found advancing into the surrounding neuropil, suggesting potential interactions with target cells.

Conclusions:

Endothelial tip cell-derived MVs may play a role in guiding tip cell migration and regulating cell-cell recognition during vascular sprouting and anastomosis.
Tip cell filopodia might function as transport conduits for MVs, facilitating their delivery to target sites.
Further research is needed to identify MV content and elucidate their precise significance in brain vascularization.