Mapping Precursor Movement through the Postnatal Thymus Reveals Specific Microenvironments Supporting Defined Stages of Early Lymphoid Development

• DOI: 10.1084/jem.194.2.127
• Publication Date: 2002-07-26T16:48:33Z
• Authors: Evan F. Lind; Susan E. Prockop; Helen E. Porritt; Howard T. Petrie
• Keywords: Fate mapping; Compartment (ship); Precursor cell; Developmental Biology; Homeostasis

Cellular differentiation is a complex process involving integrated signals for lineage specification, proliferation, endowment of functional capacity, and survival or cell death. During embryogenesis, spatially discrete environments regulating these processes are established during the growth tissue mass, that also results in temporal separation developmental events. In tissues undergo steady-state postnatal differentiation, another means inducing spatial cues must be established. Here we show thymus, this achieved by blood-borne precursors to enter organ narrow region perimedullary cortex, followed outward migration across cortex before accumulation subcapsular zone. Notably, blood do not transmigrate an undifferentiated state, but rather progressive changes process, such defined precursor stages appear distinct cortical regions. Identification regions, together with existing knowledge regarding genetic potential corresponding lymphoid precursors, sets operational boundaries stromal likely induce differentiative We conclude active between morphologically similar functionally regions integral component homeostasis thymus.