Lymphangiogenesis and expression of specific molecules as lymphatic endothelial cell markers.

In recent years, several functional molecules specifically expressed and localized in lymphatic endothelial cells, such as 5'-nucleotidase, lymphatic vessel endothelial receptor-1, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3, podoplanin and Prox-1, have been identified. The discovery of the lymphatic endothelial cell markers facilitated detailed analysis of the nature and structural organization of the lymphatic vessels and their growth (lymphangiogenesis). As a result, over the past few years, advances have been made in understanding the cellular and molecular aspects of physiological lymphangiogenesis and tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis. The biology of lymphangiogenesis, particularly the mechanism of its regulation, is very important in understanding the formation of the lymphatic system as a biological regulation system transporting tissue fluid and wandering cells, including lymphocytes, and disease involving lymphangiogenesis. The understanding of the molecular mechanism of lymphangiogenesis and the elucidation of the development of normal and pathological tissues are expected to lead to the development of therapy for intractable diseases, such as malignant tumors and lymphedema.