Akt/Protein kinase B is required for lymphatic network formation, remodeling, and valve development.

ABSTRACT: Akt-mediated signaling plays an important role in blood vascular development. In this study, we investigated the role of Akt in lymphatic growth using Akt-deficient mice. First, we found that lymphangiogenesis occurred in Akt1(-/-), Akt2(-/-), and Akt3(-/-) mice. However, both the diameter and endothelial cell number of lymphatic capillaries were significantly less in Akt1(-/-) mice than in wild-type control mice, whereas there was only a slight change in Akt2(-/-) and Akt3(-/-) mice. Second, valves present in the small collecting lymphatics in the superficial dermal layer of the ear skin were rarely observed in Akt1(-/-) mice, although these valves could be detected in the large collecting lymphatics in the deep layer of the skin tissues. A fluorescence microlymphangiography assay showed

SUBMITTER: Zhou F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2947305 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature