Learning how to prevent lymphedema

Novel mechanisms in lymphangiogenesis

The lymphatic system in our bodies carries excess fluid from our tissues into the bloodstream. In people with lymphedema, the lymphatic system cannot drain fluid properly - this causes uncomfortable swelling (known as oedema) that is difficult to treat. This condition may be inherited or it might occur after surgery to remove lymph nodes as part of cancer treatment. Professor Ruhrberg and her team will explore how lymphatic vessels form, with a view to understand the healing processes that could be stimulated in people with lymphedema. Endothelial cells (ECs) are the main building blocks of lymphatic vessels. To function properly, lymphatic vessels are often found next to blood vessels, which are also lined by ECs. Professor Ruhrberg has shown that stem cells from embryos grow into the ECs that line blood vessels. In this project, she will study exactly how these stem cells turn into lymphatic EC cells by studying their genetics to trace their origin. She will then compare how cells of different origins play a role in the growth and movement of ECs to achieve a healthy lymphatic vessel structure. The results will hopefully provide fundamental knowledge about how lymphatic vasculature forms, which could help with the design of treatments for tissue oedema, or to control inflammation in people with lymphedema after surgery or a heart attack.