Flow-regulated lymphatic vasculature development and signaling.

Abstract

The role of blood flow in regulating signaling pathways and gene expression in the blood vasculature is well known. Recent studies have identified equally important roles of flow-mediated signaling in the lymphatic circulation including control of lymphatic vascular growth, remodeling, regeneration and maintenance of the lymphatic fate. In this review, we summarize these advances focusing on the role of fluid dynamics in control of lymphatic vasculature formation.