Characterizing the cellular architecture of dynamically remodeling vascular tissue using 3-D image analysis and virtual reconstruction.

ABSTRACT: Epithelial tubules form critical structures in lung, kidney, and vascular tissues. However, the processes that control their morphogenesis and physiological expansion and contraction are not well understood. Here we examine the dynamic remodeling of epithelial tubes in vivo using a novel model system: the extracorporeal vasculature of Botryllus schlosseri, in which the disruption of the basement membrane triggers rapid, massive vascular retraction without loss of barrier function. We developed and implemented 3-D image analysis and virtual reconstruction tools to characterize the cellular morphology of the vascular wall in unmanipulated vessels and during retraction. In both control and regressed conditions, cells within the vascular wall were planar polarized, with an integrin- and

SUBMITTER: Madhu R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7521853 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature