The Origin of Calcitonin-Producing Cells in Vertebrates
Author Information
Author(s): Rees Jenaid M., Kirk Katie, Gattoni Giacomo, Hockman Dorit, Sleight Victoria A., Ritter Dylan J., Benito-Gutierrez Èlia, Knapik Ela W., Crump J. Gage, Fabian Peter, Gillis J. Andrew
Primary Institution: Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Hypothesis
What is the embryonic origin of calcitonin-producing neuroendocrine cells in vertebrates?
Conclusion
Calcitonin-producing neuroendocrine cells derive from endoderm, not from neural crest as previously thought.
Supporting Evidence
- Chick C-cells derive from endoderm, as shown by lineage tracing experiments.
- Zebrafish C-cells also derive from endoderm, confirmed by genetic lineage tracing.
- Skate C-cells are found to originate from pharyngeal endoderm.
- Putative C-cell homologs were identified in invertebrate chordates, indicating a conserved origin.
Takeaway
This study found that special cells that make a hormone called calcitonin come from a part of the embryo called endoderm, not from another part called neural crest, which is what scientists used to think.
Methodology
The study used comparative cell lineage tracing and in situ gene expression analysis across various vertebrate model systems.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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