The hemangioblast--an elusive cell captured in culture.
The close temporal and spatial association between blood and endothelial cell development during embryogenesis was first documented almost 100 years ago. In recent years, gene expression studies have further strengthened this link. Now, using cultures of mouse embryonic stem cells, a common progenitor cell that gives rise to both blood cells and vascular endothelial cells, has been identified. The existence of the hemangioblast has been proved and experiments addressing its unique properties can begin.
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia. robb@wehi.edu.au
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D000818:Animals; D001773:Blood Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology* / Q000196:embryology; D006410:Hematopoiesis; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D051379:Mice; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology