Recent advances in understanding lymphangiogenesis and metabolism

Abstract

The blood and lymphatic vasculatures are vital to the maintenance of homeostasis. The interaction between two vascular networks throughout the body is precisely controlled to enable oxygen and nutrient delivery, removal of carbon dioxide and metabolic waste, drainage of interstitial fluid, transport of immune cells, and other key activities. Recent years have seen an explosion of information dealing with the development and function of the lymphatic system. The growth of lymphatic vessels, termed lymphangiogenesis, is a high-energy requirement process that involves sprouting, proliferation, migration, and remodeling of lymphatic endothelial cells and capillaries. Although there has been substantial progress in identifying growth factors and their downstream signaling pathways that control lymphangiogenesis, the role of metabolic processes during lymphangiogenesis and their links to growth factor signaling are poorly understood. In this review, we will discuss recent work that has provided new insights into lymphatic metabolism and its role in lymphangiogenesis.