Scientists investigating the causes of lymphoedema have made a major discovery, revealing that lymphatic vessels can produce red and white blood cells.
Until now, it was believed that blood cells derived solely from stem cells found in bone marrow.
The discovery, supported by Phenomics Australia and made by an international team led by University of South Australia developmental biologist and Centre for Cancer Biology Director Professor Natasha Harvey, has been published in Nature, the world’s leading multidisciplinary science journal.
Researchers, made the connection when investigating the causes of lymphoedema – a blockage in the lymphatic system resulting in swelling in the arm or leg, which is very difficult to treat.
Lymphatic vessels are a key component of the cardiovascular system, responsible for returning excessive tissue fluid and protein (lymph) back to the bloodstream and forming a major part of the immune system that defends the body against harmful bacteria or viruses.
Prof Harvey and colleagues traced defects in the lymphatic vessels to cells being incorrectly programmed during development.
“ We discovered a site in DNA important for controlling genes that program the identity and development of lymphatic vessels,” Prof Harvey says.
“If these genes aren’t switched on at the correct time and place, lymphatic vessels don’t form properly, causing lymph fluid to leak back into the tissues, leading to swelling (lymphoedema). In an unexpected discovery, we identified that the same gene that controls the development of lymphatic vessels also controls the production of blood cells.
“This exciting discovery suggests that lymphatic vessels may be a previously unrecognised source of blood cells both during development and in disease.”
The ability of lymphatic vessels to produce blood cells could be important for fighting infection and may play a role in some blood cancers.
The researchers will now investigate what triggers lymphatic vessels to produce different types of blood cells and when this occurs – during normal development as well as during disease.
The paper can be accessed here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-05650-9
Phenomics Australia nodes involved in the research:
– South Australian Genome Editing Service (SAGE) at the University of Adelaide (Phenomics Australia In vivo services)
– Phenomics Australia Histopathology and Digital Slide Service at the University of Melbourne (Phenomics Australia Pathology services)
This story was first published at University of South Australia: Researchers zero in on potential new function of lymphatic system: producing blood
Phenomics Australia Histopathology and Digital Slide Service helps researchers across Australia in analysing histology images and data on genetically modified or treated experimental animals. This service offers the latest in high quality capabilities including: Quality controlled mouse necropsies and tissue preparation, pathological analysis and scoring of tissues, digital slide scanner capable of producing high quality images, high resolution light microscopy with electronic image capture, specialised staining.
Staff providing this service have extensive histology, diagnostic and electronic imaging experience. Consultant Medical and Veterinary Pathologists are available to provide expert advice.
The Histopathology and Digital Slide Service is based at the Department of Anatomy and Physiology at the University of Melbourne.
With an established track record and reputation for excellence, Phenomics Australia Genome Engineering team uses techniques such as CRISPR-mediated mutagenesis, classical gene targeting, and transgenesis to create optimal tools for your research delivering a comprehensive service in genome modification. To meet the high demand for this platform, Phenomics Australia offers genome editing services through four nodes across Australia, operating at Monash, ANU, WEHI, and SAHMRI.
