Int. J. Dev. Biol. 64: 397 - 407 (2020)

https://doi.org/10.1387/ijdb.200020dr

Vol 64, Issue 7-8-9

Branching morphogenesis - historical first evidences

Essay | Published: 7 October 2020

Domenico Ribatti*^,1 and Diego Guidolin²

¹Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari and ²Department of Neuroscience, Section of Anatomy, University of Padova, Padova, Italy

Abstract

Branching morphogenesis, the creation of branched structures in the body, is a key feature of animal and plant development. It requires the coordinated interplay of multiple types of epithelial cells with the surrounding extracellular matrix. Cell migration, proliferation, and extracellular matrix dynamics have different roles in driving budding in different organs. This historical review article summarizes the first founding literature data concerning branching morphogenesis occurring in kidney, lung, vascular system, mammary glands and neurons.

Keywords

branching, developmental biology, epithelial cell, extracellular matrix, morphogenesis