When form meets function: the cells and signals that shape the lymphatic vasculature during development

The lymphatic vasculature is an integral component of the cardiovascular system. It is essential to maintain tissue fluid homeostasis, direct immune cell trafficking and absorb dietary lipids from the digestive tract. Major advances in our understanding of the genetic and cellular events important for constructing the lymphatic vasculature during development have recently been made. These include the identification of novel sources of lymphatic endothelial progenitor cells, the recognition of lymphatic endothelial cell specialisation and heterogeneity, and discovery of novel genes and signalling pathways underpinning developmental lymphangiogenesis. Here, we review these advances and discuss how they inform our understanding of lymphatic network formation, function and dysfunction.

Automated summary

The lymphatic vasculature is crucial for tissue fluid homeostasis, immune cell trafficking, and lipid absorption from the digestive tract. Recent advancements in understanding the genetic and cellular events involved in lymphatic vasculature development have identified new sources of lymphatic endothelial progenitor cells, revealed endothelial cell specialization and heterogeneity, and discovered novel genes and signaling pathways essential for lymphangiogenesis during development.