The role of survivin in blood vessel formation during zebrafish development
Author Information
Author(s): Ma Alvin CH, Lin Rachel, Chan Po-Kwok, Leung Joseph CK, Chan Loretta YY, Meng Anming, Verfaillie Catherine M, Liang Raymond, Leung Anskar YH
Primary Institution: Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong
Hypothesis
Survivin plays a role in angiogenesis during zebrafish embryonic development.
Conclusion
Survivin is involved in angiogenesis during zebrafish development and may be regulated by VEGF.
Supporting Evidence
- Survivin was detected throughout the developing brain and neural tube in zebrafish embryos.
- Knocking down survivin resulted in defective angiogenesis but intact vasculogenesis.
- Injection of human VEGF induced ectopic angiogenesis and increased survivin expression.
Takeaway
Survivin helps zebrafish embryos grow blood vessels, and when it's not working right, the embryos have trouble making these vessels.
Methodology
Morpholinos targeting the survivin gene were injected into zebrafish embryos, and the effects on vasculature were examined using microangiography and TUNEL staining.
Limitations
The study did not explore the effects of survivin on late hematopoiesis.
Participant Demographics
Zebrafish embryos were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.016
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website