A Mathematical Model of Lymphangiogenesis in a Zebrafish Embryo

The lymphatic system of a vertebrate is important in health and diseases. We propose a novel mathematical model to elucidate the lymphangiogenic processes in zebrafish embryos. Specifically, we are interested in the period when lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) exit the posterior cardinal vein and migrate to the horizontal myoseptum of a zebrafish embryo. We wonder whether vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) is a morphogen and a chemotactic factor for these LECs. The model considers the interstitial flow driving convection, the reactive transport of VEGFC, and the changing dynamics of the extracellular matrix in the embryo. Simulations of the model illustrate that VEGFC behaves very differently in diffusion and convection-dominant scenarios. In the former case, it must bind to the matrix to establish a functional morphogen gradient. In the latter case, the opposite is true and the pressure field is the key determinant of what VEGFC may do to the LECs. Degradation of collagen I, a matrix component, by matrix metallopeptidase 2 controls the spatiotemporal dynamics of VEGFC. It controls whether diffusion or convection is dominant in the embryo; it can create channels of abundant VEGFC and scarce collagen I to facilitate lymphangiogenesis; when collagen I is insufficient, VEGFC cannot influence the LECs at all. We predict that VEGFC is a morphogen for the migrating LECs, but it is not a chemotactic factor for them.