Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026
Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
Published on: May 1, 2015
Coordinated lymphangiogenesis is critical in lymph node development and maturation
Yulia Ga-Eun Lee1, Gou Young Koh1,2
1Biomedical Science and Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 305-701, Korea.
Background:
Lymph node (LN) formation requires multiple but coordinated signaling from intrinsic and extrinsic cellular components during embryogenesis. However, the contribution and role of lymphatic vessels (LVs) in LN formation and maturation are poorly defined. Here, using lymphatic-specific reporters, Prox1-GFP mice and Vegfc+/LacZ mice, we analyzed migration, assembly, and ingrowth of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) in LNs during pre- and postnatal development.
Results:
Prox1+ LECs form string-like connections rather than lymph sac-like structures until E14.5, but the LEC coverage around LN anlagen completes before birth. Compared to wild-type littermates, Vegfc+/LacZ mice had markedly smaller LNs in neonates and adults, presumably due to the decrease in LTi cell clusters and migrating Prox1+ LECs during embryogenesis. In addition, Vegfc-haploinsufficiency or inhibition of VEGFR3 signaling led to an impairment of LN LV ingrowth, resulting in a significant decrease in LN volume. These data indicate that VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signaling plays a substantial role in normal LN formation through proper migration and organization of LECs.
Conclusions:
Taken together, our results provide compelling evidence that the contribution of LVs through VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signaling is critical in LN development and maturation. Developmental Dynamics 245:1189-1197, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Development of the Lymphatic System
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
01:23Detailed Structure and Function of Lymph Nodes
From a histological perspective, lymph nodes can be split into two main areas: the superficial cortex and the deep medulla. The outer cortex is populated by dendritic cells, macrophages, and B lymphocytes, which are densely packed into follicles. When these B-lymphocytes are presented...
01:16Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport
This one-way system allows fluids, solutes, and even pathogens to enter but prevents their return to the intercellular...
01:28Functions of the Lymphatic and Immune System
The primary lymphoid organs, including the bone marrow and the thymus, serve as the maturation sites for lymphocytes. Secondary lymphoid organs, like the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, activate these lymphocytes and serve as...
01:16Primary Lymphoid Organs
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
01:18Lymphoid Cells and Tissues
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...