Molecular targets for therapeutic lymphangiogenesis in lymphatic dysfunction and disease.
The convergence of multiple disciplines upon the study of the lymphatic vasculature has invigorated a renaissance of research, using powerful investigative tools and an exponential growth of interest in this historically underappreciated system. Fundamental discoveries in lymphatic development have yielded relevant animal models for vexing clinical diseases that suffer from nonexistent of minimally effective treatments. Inherited and acquired lymphedema represent the current crux of research efforts to identify potential molecular therapies born from these early discoveries. The importance of the lymphatic system is, however, not limited to lymphedema but encompasses a diverse spectrum of human disease including inflammation and cancer metastasis. As the lymphatic vasculature continues to benefit from fruits of biomedical investigation, translation of mechanistic insights into targeted, rationally-conceived therapeutics will be become a reality.
Nakamura
Kenta
K
Stanford Center for Lymphatic and Venous Disorders, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. srockson@cvmed.stanford.edu
Rockson
Stanley G
SG
D000486:Allergy and Immunology; D000818:Animals; D015195:Drug Design; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D042583:Lymphangiogenesis; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D008208:Lymphatic System / Q000502:physiology*; D042601:Lymphatic Vessels / Q000473:pathology; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D008954:Models, Biological; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D016896:Treatment Outcome