Hogan, Ben M.

The distribution of blood cells, hormones and essential nutrients throughout our bodies is dependent on the function of a healthy vasculature. The vascular systems consists of both blood and lymphatic vessels. Lymphatic vessels compose an organ network that functions primarily to drain the waste and fluid that accumulates in our tissues. Lymphatic vessels develop from pre-existing vessels in a process called lymphangiogenesis. During metastasis, tumours can induce lymphangiogenesis and metastasise via the lymphatic system. Despite the importance of this vascular network, much remains to be understood about the molecular mechanisms regulating the development and function of lymphatic vessels.

We use the zebrafish to study the genetic control of vascular development with a particular emphasis on the lymphatic vasculature. Specifically, we are studying a subset of mutants that fail to form lymphatic vessels while retaining blood circulation. We are also developing transgenic markers of lymphatic endothelial cells and vessels in order to examine the cell biology of lymphangiogenesis in the zebrafish embryo.