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Project

Contribution of BMP-SMAD regulated biogenesis of microRNAs in organ-specific functions of lymphatic endothelium. (J200524)

A major function of the lymphatic system is to drain tissue fluid and maintain fluid homeostasis. A dysfunctional lymphatic vasculature is associated with development of several diseases, including lymphedema or tissue swelling. Lymphedema predisposes amongst others for atherosclerosis and exacerbates various cardiovascular diseases. Worldwide approximately 250 million people suffer from this disease. Despite the considerable public health significance, no real cure exists for lymphedema, only symptom-controlling physical therapy. In this project, we will study the BMP signalling pathway, a pathway that has recently emerged to co-regulate lymphatic vessel development and stability. We will make use of human lymphatic endothelial cell culture systems, a mouse lymphedema model and patient material. Understanding how differences between various organ-specific lymphatic beds are established and the response of these organ-specific vessels to environmental changes is essential to identify mechanisms underlying lymphatic vessel restricted diseases and to design improved therapeutic treatments.

Date:1 Mar 2020 →  31 Dec 2020
Keywords:lymphoedema, BMP, microRNA, biogenesis
Disciplines:Vascular diseases