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Research Article
Homologs of vascular endothelial growth factor and receptor, VEGF and VEGFR, in the jellyfish Podocoryne carnea
Article first published online: 5 AUG 2004
DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.20139
Copyright © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Additional Information
How to Cite
Seipel, K., Eberhardt, M., Müller, P., Pescia, E., Yanze, N. and Schmid, V. (2004), Homologs of vascular endothelial growth factor and receptor, VEGF and VEGFR, in the jellyfish Podocoryne carnea. Developmental Dynamics, 231: 303–312. doi: 10.1002/dvdy.20139
Publication History
- Issue published online: 2 SEP 2004
- Article first published online: 5 AUG 2004
- Manuscript Revised: 11 MAY 2004
- Manuscript Accepted: 11 MAY 2004
- Manuscript Received: 10 FEB 2004
Funded by
- Swiss National Science Foundation
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Cnidaria;
- evolution;
- gastrovascular;
- jellyfish;
- Podocoryne carnea;
- vascular endothelial growth factor;
- VEGF
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) are the major inducers of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in vertebrates. Their effects are mediated by receptor tyrosine kinases of the VEGF receptor (VEGFR) family located on endothelial cells and include stimulation of cell survival, proliferation, migration, and tube formation as well as regulation of vascular permeability. Here, we report the presence of VEGF and VEGFR homologous genes in a basal invertebrate of the phylum Cnidaria. The marine jellyfish Podocoryne carnea features a gastrovascular system consisting of the feeding organ, or manubrium, the radial and ring canals, and the tentacle bulbs. Expression analysis indicates that both genes are involved in tentacle and gastrovascular canal formation, indicating an early recruitment of the VEGF signalling pathway for morphogenetic processes leading to tube formation in metazoans. The evolutionary origin of the VEGF signalling pathway resides in the common ancestor of the Cnidaria and Bilateria. Developmental Dynamics 231:303–312, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.