Vascular Regeneration in a Basal Chordate Is Due to the Presence of Immobile, Bi-Functional Cells

摘要: The source of tissue turnover during homeostasis or following injury is usually due to proliferation a small number resident, lineage-restricted stem cells that have the ability amplify and differentiate into mature cell types. We are studying vascular regeneration in chordate model organism, Botryllus schlosseri, previously found surgical ablation extracorporeal vasculature, new will regenerate VEGF-dependent process within 48 hrs. Here we use novel lineage tracing methodology assess parabiosed individuals demonstrate regenerated vasculature pre-existing resident not mobile progenitor. also show these bi-potential, can reversibly adopt two fates, newly forming vessels differentiated at terminus known as ampullae. In addition, differentially express progenitor markers including homologs CD133, VEGFR-2, Cadherin regenerative process.