Natasha Harvey (University of South Australia)

Defining the genetic and developmental events underlying human lymphatic vascular diseases

Host: Stefan Schulte-Merker

Lymphatic vessels are an integral component of the cardiovascular and immune systems. These specialised vessels play key roles in fluid homeostasis, dietary lipid absorption and immunity. While defects in the development and function of lymphatic vessels have long been recognised to underlie lymphatic vascular anomalies and primary lymphoedema, new roles for lymphatic vessels in pathological conditions including atherosclerosis, glaucoma and neurodegenerative diseases are rapidly emerging. Our work has revealed that pathogenic variants in genes including GATA2, FAT4 and MDFIC cause lymphatic disorders including primary lymphoedema and complex lymphatic anomalies due to their crucial roles in the construction of valves in the lymphatic vasculature. Our current work aims to define the mechanisms by which these genes control the process of valve development and in particular, the transcriptional mechanisms by which GATA2 programs the identity of lymphatic vessel valve endothelial cells. Ultimately, understanding the genetic and molecular basis of human lymphatic diseases will inform our knowledge of the cellular events and signalling pathways important for building functional lymphatic vessels, information that will underpin the design of novel, targeted therapeutics for the treatment of lymphatic vascular disorders.

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