BookFriedemann Kiefer, Stefan Schulte-Merker, editors.
Summary: "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"--Publisher's description.
Contents:
Transcriptional control of lymphatic endothelial cell type specification
Mechanosensing in developing lymphatic vessels
Plasticity of airway lymphatics in development and disease
Regulation of lymphatic vasculature by extracellular matrix
Interplay of mechanotransduction, FOXC2, connexins and calcineurin signaling in lymphatic valve formation
Development of secondary lymphoid organs in relation to lymphatic vasculature
Platelets in lymph vessel development and integrity
Interactions of immune cells and lymphatic vessels
Lymphatic vessels in the development of tissue and organ rejection
The role of neuropilin-1/semaphorin 3A signaling in lymphatic vessel development and maturation
A fisheye view on lymphangiogenesis
Visualization of lymphatic vessel development, growth and function
Clinical disorders of primary malfunctioning of the lymphatic system.