Development of the mammalian lymphatic vasculature
Ying Yang, Guillermo Oliver
Ying Yang, Guillermo Oliver
Published March 3, 2014
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2014;124(3):888-897. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI71609.
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Development of the mammalian lymphatic vasculature

Abstract

The two vascular systems of our body are the blood and lymphatic vasculature. Our understanding of the cellular and molecular processes controlling the development of the lymphatic vasculature has progressed significantly in the last decade. In mammals, this is a stepwise process that starts in the embryonic veins, where lymphatic EC (LEC) progenitors are initially specified. The differentiation and maturation of these progenitors continues as they bud from the veins to produce scattered primitive lymph sacs, from which most of the lymphatic vasculature is derived. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the key steps leading to the formation of a functional lymphatic vasculature.

Authors

Ying Yang, Guillermo Oliver

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Figure 2

Diagrammatic representation of the lymphovenous valves.

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Diagrammatic representation of the lymphovenous valves. Although most PR...
Although most PROX1-expressing LEC progenitors bud off from the veins, a small subpopulation remains and forms the lymphovenous valves at the junction of the jugular and subclavian veins (SCV). This unique population of ECs is negative for PDPN and VEGFR-3. Each of the valve’s two leaflets has two layers of PROX1+ ECs: an inner PROX1+/PDPN+ layer continuous with the lymph sac and an outer PROX1+/PDPN– layer continuous with the veins. Left: The region of an E13.5 embryo in which the jugular and subclavian veins join to form the lymphovenous valves. Right: A frontal view of the boxed region shown at left. EJV, external jugular vein; IJV, internal jugular vein; LS, lymph sac; LV, lymphovenous valve; SVC, superior vena cava.