METHODS FOR MODULATING HEMATOPOIESIS AND VASCULAR GROWTH

摘要

Methods and assays are provided for selecting compounds that are functionally equivalent to a gene product expressed in an embryo's extraembryonic tissue for use in modulating hematopoiesis and vascular growth, such compound being exemplified by a hedgehog protein, and an agonist of a hedgehog protein binding receptor. According to the method, such compound causes undifferentiated mesodermally derived cells to undergo at least one of hematopoiesis or vasculogenesis. Examples of undifferentiated mesodermally derived cells include hematopoietic stem cells and embryonic explant cells. The method of the invention may be utilized to treat a variety of pathological conditions including developmental errors in vascular growth or hematopoiesis and pathological conditions arising from abnormal numbers of erythroid cells, or abnormally enhanced vascular growth.