Join the next Zodiac academic lecture and / or join the drink afterwards in the entrance hall.
Invited speaker: Dr. Stefan Schulte-Merker
Professor of Developmental Biology of Animals, Hubrecht Institute, Utrecht and Wageningen University
Co-referee: Prof. Johan van Leeuwen
Professor of Experimental Zoology, Wageningen University
From zebrafish embryos to human patients -
lymphangiogenesis and vascular wiring in development
The lymphatic system is essential for fluid homeostasis, immune response and fat absorption in the small intestine. Malfunctions in the lymphatic vasculature lead to primary (inherited) or secondary (acquired) lymphedema in humans.
We are studying the embryonic development of the lymphatic vasculature in zebrafish embryos where lymphangiogenesis can be monitored at the single cell resolution in vivo due to the development of transgenic lines that now allow us to visualize arteries, veins and lymphatic endothelial cells within a single live zebrafish embryo. Furthermore, we have conducted forward genetic screens that led to the isolation of a number of zebrafish which present with a phenotype that either lacks venous and lymphatic sprouting, or that shows alterations in the migratin of lymphangioblasts. The molecular identification of one of these mutants has helped to isolate the causative gene for Hennekam Syndrome, a genetically inherited disease with patients affected by lymphedema and mental retardations.
Zodiac academic lectures are an initiative of the department of Animal Sciences and take place every first Tuesday of the month. Following lecture November 2nd (AFI).