How Blood Vessels Form in Invertebrates
Author Information
Author(s): Kučera Tomáš, Strilić Boris, Regener Kathrin, Schubert Michael, Laudet Vincent, Lammert Eckhard
Primary Institution: Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG), Dresden, Germany
Hypothesis
How do cardiovascular tubes form in invertebrates?
Conclusion
The study suggests that blood vessel formation in amphioxus occurs via basal cell surfaces and is facilitated by phagocytotic blood cells that clear the luminal ECM.
Supporting Evidence
- The cardiovascular system of bilaterians likely evolved from a common ancestor.
- Invertebrates do not require endothelial cells to form primitive cardiovascular tubes.
- Basal cell surfaces and their ECM are suggested to be ancestral components of blood vessels.
- Phagocytotic blood cells in amphioxus help create a patent vascular lumen.
Takeaway
This study shows that invertebrates like amphioxus can form blood vessels without endothelial cells, using their own cell surfaces and blood cells to create a space for blood flow.
Methodology
The researchers studied the vascular development in amphioxus and compared it with mouse models, using in vitro experiments to analyze vessel formation.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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