Role of bone marrow-derived lymphatic endothelial progenitor cells for lymphatic neovascularization

• Authors: Changwon Park, University of Illinois; Ji Yoon Lee, Emory University; Young Sup Yoon, Emory University
• Journal Title: Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine
• Volume: Volume 21, Number 5
• Publisher: Elsevier: 12 months | 2011-07, Pages 135-140
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcm.2012.04.002
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Health Sciences, Pharmacology

Abstract

The lymphatic vasculature plays a pivotal role in maintaining tissue fluid homeostasis, immune surveillance, and lipid uptake in the gastrointestinal organs. Therefore, impaired function of the lymphatic vessels caused by genetic defects, infection, trauma, or surgery leads to the abnormal accrual of lymph fluid in the tissue and culminates in the swelling of affected tissues, known as lymphedema. Although millions of people suffer from lymphedema worldwide which causes impaired wound healing, compromised immune defense and, in rare case, lymphangiosarcoma, no effective therapy is currently available. In addition, recent advances in cancer biology have disclosed an indispensable function of the lymphatic vessel in tumor growth and metastasis. Therefore, understanding the detailed mechanisms governing lymphatic vessel formation and function in pathophysiologic conditions is essential to prevent or treat these diseases. Here, we will review the developmental processes of the lymphatic vessels and postnatal lymphatic neovascularization, focusing on the role of recently identified bone-marrow (BM) derived PODOPLANIN expressing (PODOPLANIN+) cells as lymphatic endothelial progenitor cells (LEPCs).