ZEB1 Modifies VE-Cadherin Signaling in Lymphatic Endothelial Cells

Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a transcription factor primarily known for its regulatory roles in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell fate determination. Recent studies suggest that endothelial ZEB1 signaling promotes blood vessel growth and reduces junctional integrity, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Notably, the role of ZEB1 in the lymphatic vasculature is unknown, and the regulation of lymphatic integrity by VE-cadherin remains poorly defined.

Here, using an integrated proteomic and transcriptomic approach, we identify ZEB1-dependent signaling pathways associated with cell-cell junction reorganization in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs).

Loss of ZEB1 reduced VE-cadherin phosphorylation at pY731 and pY685 and was accompanied by decreased monolayer resistance and impedance, together with increased leukocyte transendothelial migration. ZEB1 knockdown also reduced YES tyrosine kinase expression and altered YAP1 expression and junctional localisation, changes that were associated with reduced VE-cadherin phosphorylation. Silencing YAP1 in HDLECs similarly reduced VE-cadherin phosphorylation and impaired barrier integrity, recapitulating aspects of the phenotype observed following ZEB1 knockdown.

Collectively, these findings suggest that ZEB1 contributes to lymphatic endothelial barrier maintenance in association with altered YAP1 and YES signaling.