Lymphatic Development Laboratory
Previous and current research
Lymphatic vessels are vital for the maintenance of tissue fluid balance, immune surveillance and fat adsorption. They also play an essential role in certain pathological conditions. Failure of lymph transport can lead to lymphoedema, a disabling disorder for which no treatment is currently available. In addition, malignant tumours often activate lymphangiogenesis and metastasise via lymphatic vessels.
Using gain- and loss-of function studies, we and others have recently developed insight into some of the key molecular mechanisms regulating the development and growth of lymphatic vessels. These studies have established the important roles of Prox1 homeobox transcription factor in determining lymphatic endothelial cell fate, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3) signalling in the regulation of growth of lymphatic vessels, and ephrinB2 mediated signalling in the postnatal remodelling of lymphatic vessels. In spite of the identification of these and other signalling pathways, our current knowledge still includes only a few molecular players, and many important basic mechanisms of lymphatic development are poorly understood.
Future projects
Our studies aim at gaining novel insights into the regulation of embryonic and postnatal lymphatic vessel development, and into the molecular mechanisms involved in pathological lymphangiogenesis. This knowledge may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for lymphatic disorders.
Our focus will be on studying the processes involved in the remodeling and maturation of the primary vasculature into a hierarchical vessel network of lymphatic capillaries and collecting lymphatic vessels and in the acquisition of vessel-type specific features. We are combining both in vivo genetic approaches, including the generation of tools for better visualisation and targeting of lymphatic endothelium, and in vitro approaches using primary lymphatic endothelial cell cultures and molecular and biochemical techniques.
