Molecular regulation of lymphangiogenesis and targets for tissue oedema

New insight has recently been obtained into the molecular mechanisms regula ting the function of lymphatic endothelial cells. Vascular endothelial grow th factors-C and -D have been shown to stimulate lymphangiogenesis. and the ir receptor VEGFR-3 has been linked to human hereditary lymphoedema. althou gh there is evidence that other genes are also involved. These data suggest that it may become possible to stimulate lymphatic growth and function and to treat tissue oedema involved in many diseases.