A blood capillary plexus-derived population of progenitor cells contributes to genesis of the dermal lymphatic vasculature during embryonic development

• DOI: 10.1242/dev.160184
• Publication Date: 2018-05-17T09:25:14Z
• Authors: Cathy Pichol-Thie...; Kelly L. Betterman; Xiaolei Liu; Wanshu Ma; Renae Skoczylas; Emmanuelle Lesieur; Frank L. Bos; Dorte Schulte; Stefan Schulte-Me...; Benjamin M. Hogan; Guillermo Oliver; Natasha L. Harvey; Mathias Francois
• Keywords: Lymphangiogenesis; Lymphatic Endothelium; Plexus; Vasculogenesis; Progenitor

ABSTRACT Despite the essential role of lymphatic vasculature in tissue homeostasis and disease, knowledge organ-specific origins endothelial progenitor cells remains limited. The assumption that most murine embryonic (LECs) are venous derived has recently been challenged. Here, we show dermal blood capillary plexus constitutes an additional, local source LECs contributes to formation vascular network. We describe a novel mechanism whereby rare PROX1-positive exit Ccbe1-dependent manner establish discrete LEC clusters. As development proceeds, these clusters expand further contribute growing system. Lineage tracing analyses Gata2-deficient mice confirmed origin. Furthermore, ectopic expression Vegfc increased number progenitors within bed. Our work reveals employed during construction demonstrates is likely remain ongoing organogenesis, raising question whether similar operates pathological lymphangiogenesis.