Expression of the fms-like tyrosine kinase 4 gene becomes restricted to lymphatic endothelium during development.
- 11 April 1995
- journal article
- Published by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
- Vol. 92 (8), 3566-3570
- https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.92.8.3566
Abstract
We have recently cloned the human fms-like tyrosine kinase 4 gene FLT4, whose protein product is related to two vascular endothelial growth factor receptors FLT1 and KDR/FLK1. Here the expression of FLT4 has been analyzed by in situ hybridization during mouse embryogenesis and in adult human tissues. The FLT4 mRNA signals first became detectable in the angioblasts of head mesenchyme, the cardinal vein, and extraembryonally in the allantois of 8.5-day postcoitus (p.c.) embryos. In 12.5-day p.c. embryos, the FLT4 signal decorated developing venous and presumptive lymphatic endothelia, but arterial endothelia were negative. During later stages of development, FLT4 mRNA became restricted to vascular plexuses devoid of red cells, representing developing lymphatic vessels. Only the lymphatic endothelia and some high endothelial venules expressed FLT4 mRNA in adult human tissues. Increased expression occurred in lymphatic sinuses in metastatic lymph nodes and in lymphangioma. Our results suggest that FLT4 is a marker for lymphatic vessels and some high endothelial venules in human adult tissues. They also support the theory on the venous origin of lymphatic vessels.Keywords
This publication has 31 references indexed in Scilit:
- Molecular cloning of murine FLT and FLT4.1993
- High affinity VEGF binding and developmental expression suggest Flk-1 as a major regulator of vasculogenesis and angiogenesisCell, 1993
- Unique Expression Pattern of the FGF Receptor 3 Gene during Mouse OrganogenesisDevelopmental Biology, 1993
- Monoclonal antibodies against recombinant parts of the Ki‐67 antigen (MIB 1 and MIB 3) detect proliferating cells in microwave‐processed formalin‐fixed paraffin sectionsThe Journal of Pathology, 1992
- Enhanced expression of the tie receptor tyrosine kinase in endothelial cells during neovascularization.1992
- Congenital malformations of the cervicothoracic lymphatic system: embryology and pathogenesis.RadioGraphics, 1992
- Induction of vasculogenesis and hematopoiesis in vitroDevelopment, 1992
- Identification of the KDR tyrosine kinase as a receptor for vascular endothelial cell growth factorBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 1992
- Angiogenesis.1992
- The role of angiogenesis in tumor growth.1992