Objective: To study whether Notch signaling, which regulates cell fate decisions and vessel morphogenesis, controls lymphatic development. Methods and Results: In zebrafish embryos, sprouts from the axial vein have lymphangiogenic potential because they give rise to the first lymphatics. Knockdown of delta-like-4 (Dll4) or its receptors Notch-1b or Notch-6 in zebrafish impaired lymphangiogenesis. Dll4/Notch silencing reduced the number of sprouts producing the string of parchordal lymphangioblasts; instead, sprouts connecting to the intersomitic vessels were formed. At a later phase, Notch silencing impaired navigation of lymphatic intersomitic vessels along their arterial templates. Conclusion: These studies imply critical roles for Notch signaling in the formation and wiring of the lymphatic network.

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doi.org/10.1161/ATVBAHA.110.203034, hdl.handle.net/1765/20853
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam

Geudens, I., Herpers, R., Hermans, K., Segura, I., Ruiz De Almodovar, C., Bussmann, J., … Dewerchin, M. (2010). Role of delta-like-4/notch in the formation and wiring of the lymphatic network in zebrafish. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 30(9), 1695–1702. doi:10.1161/ATVBAHA.110.203034