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.
Foster
Katie E
KE
Molecular Immunology, National Institute of Medical Research, London NW7 1AA, United Kingdom.
Gordon
Julie
J
Cardenas
Kim
K
Veiga-Fernandes
Henrique
H
Makinen
Taija
T
Grigorieva
Elena
E
Wilkinson
David G
DG
Blackburn
C Clare
CC
Richie
Ellen
E
Manley
Nancy R
NR
Adams
Ralf H
RH
Kioussis
Dimitris
D
Coles
Mark C
MC
D000818:Animals; D002465:Cell Movement; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D036388:Ephrin-B2 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008648:Mesoderm / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D009420:Nervous System / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D038081:Organogenesis; D011485:Protein Binding; D036081:Receptors, Eph Family / Q000378:metabolism*; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000294:innervation
D036388:Ephrin-B2; D036081:Receptors, Eph Family