Modeling lymphangiogenesis in a 3D-culture system

Unraveling the molecular mechanisms of lymphangiogenesis is hampered by the lack of appropriate in vitro models of three-dimensional (3D) lymph vessel growth which can be used to exploit the potential of available transgenic mice. We developed a potent reproducible and quantifiable 3D-culture system of lymphatic endothelial cells, the lymphatic ring assay, bridging the gap between 2D-in vitro and in vivo models of lymphangiogenesis. Mice thoracic duct fragments are embedded in a collagen gel leading to the formation of lymphatic capillaries containing a lumen as assessed by electron microscopy and immunostaining. This assay phenocopies the different steps of lymphangiogenesis, including the spreading from a preexisting vessel, cell proliferation, migration and differentiation into capillaries. Our study provides evidence for the implication of an individual matrix metalloproteinase, MMP-2, during lymphangiogenesis. The lymphatic ring assay is a robust, quantifiable and reproducible system which offers new opportunities for rapid identification of unknown regulators of lymphangiogenesis.