Molecular pathways for lymphangiogenesis and their role in human disease.
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.
Stacker
Steven A
SA
Angiogenesis Laboratory, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, PO Box 2008, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 3050, Victoria, Australia.
Farnsworth
Rae H
RH
Karnezis
Tara
T
Shayan
Ramin
R
Smith
Darrin P
DP
Paavonen
Karri
K
Davydova
Natalia
N
Caesar
Carol
C
Inder
Rachael
R
Baldwin
Megan E
ME
McColl
Bradley K
BK
Roufail
Sally
S
Williams
Richard A
RA
Hughes
Richard A
RA
Alitalo
Kari
K
Achen
Marc G
MG
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*
D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors