Dissecting VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 function: VEGFR-3 mediates lymphangiogenic signals

............................................................................................................................ 6 REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE...................................................................................... 7 1. THE BLOOD VASCULAR SYSTEM........................................................................... 7 Development of the blood vessels................................................................................... 7 2. THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM ........................................................................................ 8 Lymphatic markers.......................................................................................................... 8 Development of the lymphatic vessels.......................................................................... 10 3. MOLECULAR REGULATORS OF ANGIOGENESIS AND LYMPHANGIOGENESIS................................................................................................ 11 The VEGF family .......................................................................................................... 11 The VEGF receptors ..................................................................................................... 14 Other VEGF binding molecules ................................................................................... 17 Molecules interacting with VEGF receptors ............................................................... 17 Molecules regulating blood vessel remodeling and stabilization ............................... 18 4. BLOOD VESSEL GROWTH IN THE ADULT.......................................................... 22 Physiological angiogenesis .......................................................................................... 22 Pathological angiogenesis............................................................................................ 22 Arteriogenesis ............................................................................................................... 23 Angioproliferative disease associated with virus infection......................................... 24 Therapeutic angiogenesis ............................................................................................. 24 5. LYMPHATIC VESSEL GROWTH IN THE ADULT................................................ 25 Physiological lymphangiogenesis ................................................................................ 25 Pathological lymphangiogenesis.................................................................................. 25 Therapeutic lymphangiogenesis ................................................................................... 27 AIMS OF THE STUDY ....................................................................................................... 28 MATERIALS AND METHODS......................................................................................... 29 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION........................................................................................... 31 CONCLUDING REMARKS............................................................................................... 35 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS................................................................................................. 36 REFERENCES...................................................................................................................... 37