Open AccessOverexpression of the Del1 gene causes dendritic branching in the mouse mesentery
Author(s) -
Hidai Chiaki,
Kawana Masatoshi,
Habu Kiyoshi,
Kazama Hiromi,
Kawase Yosuke,
Iwata Takamitsu,
Suzuki Hiroshi,
Quertermous Thomas,
Kokubun Shinichiro
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
the anatomical record part a: discoveries in molecular, cellular, and evolutionary biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1552-4892
pISSN - 1552-4884
DOI - 10.1002/ar.a.20247
Subject(s) - genetically modified mouse , phenotype , mesentery , microbiology and biotechnology , transgene , morphogenesis , biology , branching (polymer chemistry) , integrin , gene , anatomy , genetics , chemistry , receptor , organic chemistry
In the present study, we established transgenic mice overexpressing Del1 , a ligand of integrins, to examine the effect of overexpression of Del1 on vascular morphogenesis. In the wild‐type mouse, mesenteric vessels are shaped like rakes consisting of a long stalk and short branches at the periphery. In contrast, those in transgenic mice showed typical dendritic architecture consisting of a few large primary branches with smaller spreading branches. The phenotype of mice overexpressing Del1 suggests the existence of a tissue‐specific mechanism for branching morphogenesis in the mesentery. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.