Science features Fox Chase Cancer Center findings on promotion of or...( e.The experiments used embryonic mo...)

e." The experiments used embryonic mouse cells with mutations in a gene responsible for these signals. The developing embryos not only lacked endothelial cells but also failed to develop a liver. Additional studies show that this essential role of endothelial cells appears to extend to lung and pancreas organogenesis. According to the Science report, "the early stages of visceral organ development serve as a model for changes in cells and tissues that occur in various biological contextsorganogenesis, tissue regeneration and tumor growth." "Understanding how endothelial cells promote early organ development may enhance our understanding of these other processes," Zaret noted.

"The new embryonic cell culture techniques we describe may further future efforts to reconstitute organ systems in vitro, for basic research and drug studies, and within living beings for therapeutic purposes or for artificial organs," he added.

Since the liver is a target for chronic diseases such as hepatitis and for the spread of many cancers, this ongoing research has the potential for a significant impact on combating disease. For example, more than 18,300 people in this country are awaiting a liver transplant, including many who have been on the waiting list for more than two years, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing.

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Contact: Susan Tobin
s_tobin@fccc.edu
215-728-3659
Fox Chase Cancer Center
27-Sep-2001

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