Establishment of induced lymphatic endothelial cells by direct reprogramming

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25460473
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Experimental pathology
• Research Institution: Tokyo Medical and Dental University (2015-2016); Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science (2013-2014)
• Principal Investigator: Watabe Tetsuro 東京医科歯科大学, 大学院医歯学総合研究科, 教授 (00334235)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: リンパ管

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The lymphatic system is a network of lymphatic vessels throughout the body which collect excess lymph fluid. Impaired flow of the lymphatic system results in lymphedema. The present study attempted to establish induced lymphatic endothelial cells using direct reprogramming. Introduction of several transcription factors to fibroblasts including Prox1 led to the increased expression of various lymphatic endothelial cells. Furthermore, addition of specific inhibitors for TGF-β increased the proliferation of lymphatic endothelial cells, and the expression of lymphatic endothelial cell markers. These findings will aid to establish novel therapeutic methods for the regenerative medicine of lymphedema.

Free Research Field

病態生化学