EphB–ephrin-B2 interactions are required for thymus migration during organogenesis

Thymus organogenesis requires coordinated interactions of multiple cell types, including neural crest (NC) cells, to orchestrate the formation, separation, and subsequent migration of the developing thymus from the third pharyngeal pouch to the thoracic cavity. The molecular mechanisms driving these processes are unclear; however, NC-derived mesenchyme has been shown to play an important role. Here, we show that, in the absence of ephrin-B2 expression on thymic NC-derived mesenchyme, the thymus remains in the cervical area instead of migrating into the thoracic cavity. Analysis of individual NC-derived thymic mesenchymal cells shows that, in the absence of ephrin-B2, their motility is impaired as a result of defective EphB receptor signaling. This implies a NC-derived cell-specific role of EphB–ephrin-B2 interactions in the collective migration of the thymic rudiment during organogenesis.

Descrição

Palavras-chave

Collective cell migration Thymus organogenesis Ephrin-B2 Eph receptor Neural crest

URI

http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1003747107
http://hdl.handle.net/10451/7140

Citação

PNAS July 27, 2010 vol. 107 no. 30 13414-13419

Editora

National Academy of Sciences

Coleções

IMM - Artigos em Revistas Internacionais

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