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Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
Published on: May 1, 2015
Lymphatic collecting vessel maturation and valve morphogenesis
1Inserm, U1036, Grenoble, F-38000 France, CEA, DSV, iRTSV, Laboratoire Biologie du Cancer et de l'Infection, Grenoble, F-38000 France, Univ Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000 France.
Abstract:
The lymphatic vasculature plays an essential role in the maintenance of tissue interstitial fluid balance and in the immune response. After capture of fluids, proteins and antigens by lymphatic capillaries, lymphatic collecting vessels ensure lymph transport. An important component to avoid lymph backflow and to allow a unidirectional flow is the presence of intraluminal valves. Defects in the function of collecting vessels lead to lymphedema. Several important factors and signaling pathways involved in lymphatic collecting vessel maturation and valve morphogenesis have now been discovered. The present review summarizes the current knowledge about the key steps of lymphatic collecting vessel development and maturation and focuses on the regulatory mechanisms involved in lymphatic valve formation.
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