We have used time-lapse multiphoton microscopy of living Tg(fli1:EGFP)y1 zebrafish embryos to examine how a patterned, functional network of angiogenic blood vessels is generated in the early vertebrate trunk. Angiogenic vascular sprouts emerge from the longitudinal trunk axial vessels (the dorsal aorta and posterior cardinal vein) in two spatially and temporally distinct steps. Dorsal aorta-derived sprouts form an initial primary network of vascular segments, followed by emergence of vein-derived secondary vascular sprouts that interact and interconnect dynamically with the primary network to initiate vascular flow. Using transgenic silent heart mutant embryos, we show that the gross anatomical patterning of this network of vessels does not require blood circulation. However, our results suggest that circulatory flow dynamics play an important role in helping to determine the pattern of interconnections between the primary network and secondary sprouts, and thus the final arterial or venous identity of the vessels in the functional network. We discuss a model to explain our results combining genetic programming of overall vascular architecture with hemodynamic determination of circulatory flow patterns.
Angiogenic network formation in the developing vertebrate trunk Available to Purchase
Present address: Program in Gene Function and Expression, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
Present address: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences,Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
Deceased
Sumio Isogai, Nathan D. Lawson, Saioa Torrealday, Masaharu Horiguchi, Brant M. Weinstein; Angiogenic network formation in the developing vertebrate trunk. Development 1 November 2003; 130 (21): 5281–5290. doi: https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.00733
Download citation file:
Sign in
Client Account
Sign in via your institution
Sign in via ShibbolethAdvertisement
Development presents…

Development is delighted to host a webinar series showcasing the latest developmental biology and stem cell research. The webinars are held each month with talks from postdocs applying for independent positions as part of our Pathway to Independence programme. Visit Development presents... on the Node to see which stimulating topics are coming up in the next few months.
Meet our 2025 Pathway to Independence (PI) fellows

We are delighted to announce our third cohort of PI fellows - researchers whom we will be supporting as they transition from postdoc to Principal Investigator. Read about the eight talented fellows chosen, whom we're excited to be working with as they navigate the job market.
A case for broadening our view of mechanism in developmental biology

In this Perspective, B. Duygu Özpolat and colleagues survey researchers on their views on what it takes to infer mechanism in developmental biology. They examine what factors shape our idea of what we mean by ‘mechanism’ and suggest a path forward that embraces a broad outlook on the diversity of studies that advance knowledge in our field.
Browse by subject
![Development logo - Browse by subject: Explore Development's content, now easily accessible by subject area. The ad has a black background with three vibrant scientific images: a developing embryo on the left, a green plant-like structure in the center, and a gastruloid (a circular cell with a bright pink center and blue outer ring) on the right. [Blue button: browse content].](https://cob.silverchair-cdn.com/ImageLibrary/Development/Snippets/2025_05_Dev_Browse-by-subject_600x230_Snippet.png?versionId=8863)
From cardiovascular development and regeneration to tissue engineering and organoids, Development’s browse by subject archive allows you to access the latest papers (from late 2024 onwards) on a particular field of interest. In addition to our curated subject collections, these subject pages allow readers to browse a broader range of papers organised by topic.
Help shape your future publishing experience

We are gathering feedback from our readers, authors and reviewers, to help us shape the next 100 years and to keep offering a publishing experience that truly supports our community. Please have your say by completing our community survey. Survey closes on 25 June.