title: Molecular pathways for lymphangiogenesis and their role in human disease.
abstract: The lymphatic network functions to return fluid, cells and macromolecules to the circulation. Recent characterization of growth factors that control the growth and development of the lymphatics, and markers which specify lymphatic endothelial cells have enhanced our understanding of this system. Members of the VEGF family of factors are key regulators of these vessels with VEGF-C/VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 being the best validated signalling pathways in lymphangiogenesis. The study of these molecules in various pathologies has shown that they are important in the processes of cancer metastasis and in the formation of lymphoedema. Knowledge of these molecular pathways allows for the generation of modulators of these pathways which could form the basis of novel therapeutic approaches.
authors.affiliation: Angiogenesis Laboratory, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, PO Box 2008, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 3050, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Steven A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Stacker
authors.forename: Rae H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Farnsworth
authors.forename: Tara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Karnezis
authors.forename: Ramin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Shayan
authors.forename: Darrin P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Karri
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Paavonen
authors.forename: Natalia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Davydova
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Caesar
authors.forename: Rachael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Inder
authors.forename: Megan E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Baldwin
authors.forename: Bradley K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: McColl
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Roufail
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.forename: Kari
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Alitalo
authors.forename: Marc G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Achen
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D042583:Lymphangiogenesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors