SUPR
Organ-specific features of the lymphatic vasculature
Dnr:

NAISS 2023/23-457

Type:

NAISS Small Storage

Principal Investigator:

Taija Mäkinen

Affiliation:

Uppsala universitet

Start Date:

2023-10-01

End Date:

2024-10-01

Primary Classification:

10614: Developmental Biology

Webpage:

Allocation

Abstract

Lymphatic vasculature has traditionally been considered a mere drainage and transport system for excess tissue fluid and immune cells. However, recent research has demonstrated that lymphatic vessels play an active role in many important physiological processes and common diseases. We and others have additionally shown that lymphatic vessels within different organs have diverse developmental origins, rely on different growth factor signaling pathways for their development and maintenance, and exhibit remarkable tissue-specific specialization and involvement in disease. By utilizing single cell RNA sequencing, our research aims to uncover organ-specific features and functions of the highly ‘heterogenous’ lymphatic vascular system. This will be of key importance for understanding the physiological and pathological roles of lymphatic vessels, and to develop efficient therapies aimed at regulating (specific) lymphatic vessel functions.