Zebrafish Vascular Mural Cell Biology: Recent Advances, Development, and Functions

Recruitment of mural cells to the vascular wall is essential for forming the vasculature as well as maintaining proper vascular functions. In recent years, zebrafish genetic tools for mural cell biology have improved substantially. Fluorescently labeled zebrafish mural cell reporter lines enable us to study, with higher spatiotemporal resolution than ever, the processes of mural cell development from their progenitors. Furthermore, recent phenotypic analysis of platelet-derived growth factor beta mutant zebrafish revealed well-conserved organotypic mural cell development and functions in vertebrates with the unique features of zebrafish. However, comprehensive reviews of zebrafish mural cells are lacking. Therefore, herein, we highlight recent advances in zebrafish mural cell tools. We also summarize the fundamental features of zebrafish mural cell development, especially at early stages, and functions.

Automated summary

Recruitment of mural cells to the vascular wall is essential for vasculature formation and function maintenance. Recent advances in zebrafish genetic tools have provided new possibilities for mural cell biology research, allowing for high-resolution study of mural cell development processes. Analysis of platelet-derived growth factor beta mutant zebrafish revealed well-conserved organotypic mural cell development in vertebrates with unique features of zebrafish.