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Published on: March 17, 2014
Prox1 function is required for the development of the murine lymphatic system
1Department of Genetics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA.
Cell
|September 28, 1999
Summary
Prox1 is a key gene essential for lymphatic system development. Its absence in mice halts lymphatic budding and sprouting, indicating independent development of vascular and lymphatic systems.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Precise documentation of lymphatic system development is hindered by a lack of specific molecular markers.
- Endothelial cells are known precursors for various vascular structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific molecular markers and regulatory mechanisms governing lymphatic system development.
- To investigate the role of the Prox1 gene in lymphatic vessel formation.
Main Methods:
- Expression analysis of the Prox1 homeobox gene in endothelial cells.
- Phenotypic analysis of Prox1 null mice to observe lymphatic development.
- Comparative analysis of vascular and lymphatic system development.
Main Results:
- The homeobox gene Prox1 is specifically expressed in a subpopulation of endothelial cells involved in lymphatic development.
- Prox1 expression is localized to veins, and its budding and sprouting are polarized, suggesting guidance signals.
- Prox1 null mice exhibit arrested lymphatic budding and sprouting, while general vasculogenesis and angiogenesis remain unaffected.
Conclusions:
- Prox1 is a specific and indispensable regulator of lymphatic system development.
- The vascular and lymphatic systems develop through independent mechanisms.
- Unidentified guidance signals likely regulate the polarized budding and sprouting of lymphatic endothelial cells.
