Targeting the hemangioblast with a novel cell type-specific enhancer.
BACKGROUND
Hemangioblasts are known as the common precursors for primitive hematopoietic and endothelial lineages. Their existence has been supported mainly by the observation that both cell types develop in close proximity and by in vitro differentiation and genetic studies. However, more compelling evidence will arise from tracking their cell fates using a lineage-specific marker.


RESULTS
We report the identification of a hemangioblast-specific enhancer (Hb) located in the cis-regulatory region of chick Cerberus gene (cCer) that is able to direct the expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) to the precursors of yolk sac blood and endothelial cells in electroporated chick embryos. Moreover, we present the Hb-eGFP reporter as a powerful live imaging tool for visualizing hemangioblast cell fate and blood island morphogenesis.


CONCLUSIONS
We hereby introduce the Hb enhancer as a valuable resource for genetically targeting the hemangioblast population as well as for studying the dynamics of vascular and blood cell development.
Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal.
Vera
V
Teixeira
Natacha
N
Arede
Rui
R
Gardner
Joaquín
J
Rodríguez-León
Ana T
AT
Tavares
D000818:Animals; D002642:Chick Embryo / Q000196:embryology*; D004742:Enhancer Elements, Genetic; D055018:Hemangioblasts / Q000378:metabolism*; D006410:Hematopoiesis; D015017:Yolk Sac / Q000098:blood supply