Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
07:36
Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
Published on: May 1, 2015
VEGF-mediated signal transduction in lymphatic endothelial cells
Fuad Bahram1, Lena Claesson-Welsh
1Uppsala University, Department of Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Dag Hammarskjöldsv. 20, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.
Summary
The Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) family and their receptors (VEGFRs) play complex roles in blood and lymphatic vessel formation. This review focuses on VEGFR3 signaling and its biological impact.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The VEGF family comprises ligands like VEGFA, VEGFB, VEGFC, VEGFD, and PlGF, binding to VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and VEGFR3.
- Initially, VEGFA was recognized as the primary regulator of angiogenesis via VEGFR2, while VEGFC/VEGFD were linked to lymphangiogenesis via VEGFR3.
- Recent findings reveal significant overlap in ligand-receptor interactions, challenging earlier distinctions between angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the properties of VEGFR3.
- To elucidate VEGFR3 signal transduction pathways.
- To discuss the resulting biology influenced by VEGFR3 signaling.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on VEGF family ligands and their receptors.
- Analysis of data from sophisticated reagents and techniques.
- Investigation of VEGF coreceptor (neuropilins) roles in signal transduction.
Main Results:
- The distinct roles of VEGF ligands in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are more complex than previously thought.
- VEGFR2 and VEGFR3 signaling pathways exhibit extensive overlap, contributing to both processes.
- Neuropilins significantly modulate VEGF responsiveness, altering signal transduction mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- VEGF signaling is a dynamic and plastic process influenced by physiological and pathological conditions.
- VEGFR3 plays a crucial role in both angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, with complex interactions with other VEGFRs.
- Understanding VEGFR3 signaling is key to comprehending vascular and lymphatic development and disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Rapidly dividing tumors, embryos, and wounded tissues require more oxygen than usual, lowering the oxygen concentration in the blood. At low oxygen or hypoxic conditions, an oxygen-sensitive transcription factor called the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 or HIF1 is activated. HIF1 is a dimeric protein of alpha (ɑ) and beta (β) subunits. Under optimal oxygen conditions, HIF1β is present in the nucleus while HIF1ɑ remains in the cytosol. HIF1ɑ is hydroxylated by prolyl hydroxylase and factor...
01:22Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor (Eph) and its ligand, Eph receptor-interacting protein (Ephrin) were first discovered in the human carcinoma cell line, hence the name. Ephrin-Eph interaction guides cells to reach their appropriate location in adult tissues. They also play an essential role in the immune system by helping in immune cell migration, adhesion, and activation. Based on their structure and function, Eph is divided into two classes — EphA and EphB.
01:16TGF - β Signaling Pathway
The TGF-β signaling pathway regulates cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and development. TGF-β ligands that induce TGF-β signaling are synthesized in their latent form. Several proteases or cell surface receptors such as integrins act upon the latent form, releasing the active ligand. There are three types of mammalian TGF-βs: (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) that bind as homodimers or heterodimers to TGF-β receptors. The TGF-β receptors are of three kinds RI, RII, and RIII. The RI...
01:10Mechanism of Angiogenesis
Blood vessel formation starts early during embryonic development, around day 7. In the extraembryonic yolk sac, mesodermal precursor cells called hemangioblast proliferate and differentiate into angioblast. Angioblasts express vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 or VEGFR2, which binds VEGF-A, a proangiogenic factor, guiding blood vessel formation. VEGF signaling promotes angioblasts to form a blood island in the developing embryo. Angioblasts further differentiate, giving rise to...
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...
01:16Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport
Lymphatic vessels, known as lymphatics, are crucial in transporting lymph from peripheral tissues to our venous system. This process begins with lymph entering through tiny capillaries that branch through tissues. These capillaries have unique features such as larger diameters, thinner walls, and a distinctive one-way valve system formed by overlapping endothelial cells.
This one-way system allows fluids, solutes, and even pathogens to enter but prevents their return to the intercellular spaces.
This one-way system allows fluids, solutes, and even pathogens to enter but prevents their return to the intercellular spaces.