Lymphangiogenesis

Lymphangiogenesis is the formation of lymphatic vessels from pre-existing lymphatic vessels, in a method believed to be similar to blood vessel development or angiogenesis.

Lymphangiogenesis plays an important physiological role in homeostasis, metabolism and immunity. Lymphatic vessel formation has also been implicated in a number of pathological conditions including neoplasm metastasis, oedema, rheumatoid arthritis,psoriasis and impaired wound healing.

The role of the lymphatic system in these diseases has received renewed interest largely due to the recent discovery of specific lymphatic markers such as Podoplanin, LYVE-1, PROX-1, desmoplakin, VEGF-C, VEGF-D and their receptor VEGFR-3. These specific markers have enabled new insights into functional and molecular lymphatic biology.