Contribution of neural crest-derived cells in the embryonic and adult thymus

K Foster, J Sheridan, H Veiga-Fernandes… - The Journal of …, 2008 - journals.aai.org
K Foster, J Sheridan, H Veiga-Fernandes, K Roderick, V Pachnis, R Adams, C Blackburn
The Journal of Immunology, 2008journals.aai.org
Neural crest (NC)-derived mesenchyme has previously been shown to play an important
role in the development of fetal thymus. Using Wnt1-Cre and Sox10-Cre mice crossed to
Rosa26 eYfp reporter mice, we have revealed NC-derived mesenchymal cells in the adult
murine thymus. We report that NC-derived cells infiltrate the thymus before day 13.5 of
embryonic development (E13. 5) and differentiate into cells with characteristics of smooth
muscle cells associated with large vessels, and pericytes associated with capillaries. In the …
Abstract
Neural crest (NC)-derived mesenchyme has previously been shown to play an important role in the development of fetal thymus. Using Wnt1-Cre and Sox10-Cre mice crossed to Rosa26 eYfp reporter mice, we have revealed NC-derived mesenchymal cells in the adult murine thymus. We report that NC-derived cells infiltrate the thymus before day 13.5 of embryonic development (E13. 5) and differentiate into cells with characteristics of smooth muscle cells associated with large vessels, and pericytes associated with capillaries. In the adult organ at 3 mo of age, these NC-derived perivascular cells continue to be associated with the vasculature, providing structural support to the blood vessels and possibly regulating endothelial cell function.
journals.aai.org