Science magazine has put the report on its fast track for publication and will release it Thursday, Sept. 27 on its web site www.sciencemag.org/.
Zaret heads Fox Chase's basic science program in cell and developmental biology. The goal of his research focuses on understanding how genes are activated and how early embryonic cells become specific tissue types during the development of mammals. One of his laboratory models uses mouse embryonic cells known as endoderm cells, which have the potential to become a liver or pancreas. Zaret has identified molecular signals that tell these cells where and when a liver should appear. Recently, he has learned to use those signals to direct immature cells in culture to begin liver formation.
His newest study explores the early developmental role of endothelial cells, which normally make up blood vessels. Previously these cells were believed to promote tissue growth by providing oxygen, nutrients and blood cells to tissue sites.
Instead, Zarets group has shown that endothelial cells promote tissue growth and development even before functioning blood vessels arise. Before they begin to ferry blood to organs, early blood vessel cells emit signals that encourage the growth of the newly emerging liver and possibly other organs, such as the lung and pancreas.
"We now show there is an intrinsic function of the endothelial cells prior to the functioning of vessels," Zaret said. "The development of internal organs requires the careful orchestration of signals between endothelial cells and the cells intrinsic to each tissu
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Contact: Susan Tobin
s_tobin@fccc.edu
215-728-3659
Fox Chase Cancer Center
27-Sep-2001