Developmental Aspects of the Lymphatic Vascular System

For decades, lymphatic vessels were considered to be of “lesser significance” than blood vessels, and the fundamental importance of lymphatic vessels for physiological tissue homeostasis and their involvement in many pathological processes have only recently been fully appreciated. It is clear by now that all higher vertebrates possess a lymphatic vessel system, and that malfunctioning of the lymphatic vasculature has severe pathophysiological consequences. Still, many central aspects of the developmental origin, growth control and regulation of lymphatic vessels are not sufficiently understood. This volume of “Advances in Anatomy, Embryology, and Cell Biology” focuses on the lymphatic vascular system from a developmental point of view, presenting exciting recent advances in elucidating the development and molecular control of lymphatic vessels. A collection of focused reviews, written by respected experts, describes ostensively how advanced genetic models and state-of-the-art imaging are being used to decipher the action of transcriptional programs, growth factors and matrix components in the regulation of lymphatic endothelial cell behavior. A synopsis is provided for each chapter, concisely highlighting the main points. This collection provides both an ideal introduction to lymph vessel biology for newcomers and an invaluable resource for experts.