Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis Products!

Angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels from an existing vascular bed, is not only essential for many physiological processes, e.g. ovulation, placentation and embryogenesis, but also in patho-physiological situations such as tumour angiogenesis, diabetic retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriasis.

Lymphangiogenesis has traditionally been overshadowed by the greater emphasis placed on the blood vascular system (angiogenesis). This is due in part to the lack of identification of lymphangiogenic factors, as well as suitable markers that distinguish blood from lymphatic vascular endothelium. Recently, novel growth factors, receptors, cell surface proteins, and transcription factors have been found which play a role in the lymphatic endothelium. These are VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGFR-3, LYVE-1, Podoplanin, and Prox-1. Especially the transcription factor Prox-1 and the two transmembrane receptors Podoplanin and LYVE-1 are described as specific markers for lymphatic endothelial cells.