1
|
Janardhan HP, Wachter BT, Trivedi CM. Lymphatic System Development and Function. Curr Cardiol Rep 2024:10.1007/s11886-024-02120-8. [PMID: 39172295 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-024-02120-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review delves into recent advancements in understanding generalized and organ-specific lymphatic development. It emphasizes the distinct characteristics and critical anomalies that can impair lymphatic function. By exploring developmental mechanisms, the review seeks to illuminate the profound impact of lymphatic malformations on overall health and disease progression. RECENT FINDINGS The introduction of genome sequencing, single-cell transcriptomic analysis, and advanced imaging technologies has significantly enhanced our ability to identify and characterize developmental defects within the lymphatic system. As a result, a wide range of lymphatic anomalies have been uncovered, spanning from congenital abnormalities present at birth to conditions that can become life-threatening in adulthood. Additionally, recent research highlights the heterogeneity of lymphatics, revealing organ-specific developmental pathways, unique molecular markers, and specialized physiological functions specific to each organ. A deeper understanding of the unique characteristics of lymphatic cell populations in an organ-specific context is essential for guiding future research into lymphatic disease processes. An integrated approach to translational research could revolutionize personalized medicine, where treatments are precisely tailored to individual lymphatic profiles, enhancing effectiveness and minimizing side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harish P Janardhan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Brianna T Wachter
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- MD-PhD Program, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Chinmay M Trivedi
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- MD-PhD Program, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cowan DB, Wu H, Chen H. Epsin Endocytic Adaptor Proteins in Angiogenic and Lymphangiogenic Signaling. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041165. [PMID: 37217282 PMCID: PMC10759987 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) ligands and receptors are central regulators of vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis. In response to VEGF ligand binding, VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases initiate the chain of events that transduce extracellular signals into endothelial cell responses such as survival, proliferation, and migration. These events are controlled by intricate cellular processes that include the regulation of gene expression at multiple levels, interactions of numerous proteins, and intracellular trafficking of receptor-ligand complexes. Endocytic uptake and transport of macromolecular complexes through the endosome-lysosome system helps fine-tune endothelial cell responses to VEGF signals. Clathrin-dependent endocytosis remains the best understood means of macromolecular entry into cells, although the importance of non-clathrin-dependent pathways is increasingly recognized. Many of these endocytic events rely on adaptor proteins that coordinate internalization of activated cell-surface receptors. In the endothelium of both blood and lymphatic vessels, epsins 1 and 2 are functionally redundant adaptors involved in receptor endocytosis and intracellular sorting. These proteins are capable of binding both lipids and proteins and are important for promoting curvature of the plasma membrane as well as binding ubiquitinated cargo. Here, we discuss the role of epsin proteins and other endocytic adaptors in governing VEGF signaling in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis and discuss their therapeutic potential as molecular targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas B Cowan
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Hao Wu
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Hong Chen
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|