European researchers studied the process of vascular formation in zebrafish embryos. Their findings bring us a step closer to comprehending this vital process in health and disease.
During development, the vascular system forms very early on to facilitate delivery of nutrients, oxygen, and cellular and humoral factors in the embryo, in addition to helping clear waste. Serious disruptions in the formation of the vascular network are lethal or have important consequences throughout embryonic and adult life. Therefore, it is important to understand the mechanisms implicated in the formation of the vascular system, especially since some are reactivated during disease states of angiogenesis.
Further details: Dissecting the process of angiogenesis