Endoglin expression in early development is associated with vasculogenesis and angiogenesis

Endoglin is an auxiliary receptor for the transforming growth factor-beta family of cytokines and is required for angiogenesis and heart development. Endoglin expression during mouse embryogenesis was analysed by monitoring beta-galactosidase expression from a lacZ reporter cassette inserted downstream of the endoglin promoter. Expression was first detected at 6.5 days post-coitum (dpc) in the amniotic fold and developing allantois. Between 7.5 and 8.5 dpc, endoglin was expressed in endothelial cells of the yolk sac, dorsal aorta and primitive heart tube, and from 9.5 to 13.5 dpc in endothelial cells throughout the developing vasculature. Interestingly, this pattern of endoglin expression is almost identical to that reported for Alk1.