Molecular Mechanisms of Lymphangiogenesis

Blood and lymphatic vessels together form a circulatory system, which allows the transportation of metabolicsubstances, cells, and proteins in the body. A major roleof the lymphatic vasculature is to return an excess of theprotein-rich interstitial fluid to the blood circulation. Inaddition, the lymphatic vasculature is an important part ofthe immune system, as it filters lymph and its antigensthrough the lymph nodes. Lymphatic vessels also serve asone of the major routes for absorption of lipids from thegut (Witte et al. 2001). Until recently, studies of the lymphatic vessels were hampered due to the lack of specificmarkers, but recently several such markers have beenidentified. In addition, recent studies have indicated animportant role for the lymphatic vessels in certain developmental disorders, such as lymphedema, and as a routefor the metastasis of malignant tumors. These findingshave brought lymphatic vascular biology to the forefrontof cardiovascular research...