Targeting uPARAP Modifies Lymphatic Vessel Architecture and Attenuates Lymphedema.

Background: Lymphedema is an incurable disease associated with lymphatic dysfunction that causes tissue swelling and fibrosis. We investigated whether lymphedema could be attenuated by interfering with uPARAP (urokinase plasminogen activator receptor-associated protein; gene), an endocytic receptor involved in fibrosis and lymphangiogenesis.

Methods: We generated mice with lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC)-specific deficiency and compared them with constitutive knockout mice by applying a preclinical model of secondary lymphedema (SL).