Lymphatic vessels are responsible for draining interstitial fluid from tissues and for transporting immune cells to lymph nodes to maintain the body’s immune surveillance. Lymphatic vessels also facilitate the dissemination of cancer cells from a primary tumor to regional lymph nodes. Our lab is focused on understanding the physical and molecular components of lymphatic lymphatic vessel function, lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis. Through the use of our novel imaging technologies and animal models, we are answering timely questions that can lead to the development of treatments for lymphatic metastasis and lymphedema.
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Although, lymphatic vessels are responsible for both draining interstitial fluid from tissues and for transporting immune cells to lymph nodes to maintain the body/s immune surveillance, the focus of our research in the Steele Laboratory is on the fluid balance aspect of lymphatic function. We use fluorescence microlymphangiography to identify functional lymphatic vessels in vivo (Leu et al., Am. J. Phys 1994). |
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Although, lymphatic vessels are responsible for both draining interstitial fluid from tissues and for transporting immune cells to lymph nodes to maintain the body's immune surveillance, the focus of our research in the Steele Laboratory is on the fluid balance aspect of lymphatic function. We use fluorescence microlymphangiography to identify functional lymphatic vessels in vivo (Cite Leu 1992 and Hoshida 2006). |
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The spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to the lymph nodes is a critical event in disease progression that determines the overall prognosis for the patient and the course of therapy to be administered. The mechanisms used by cancer cells to form lymph node metastasis are starting to be understood, with the hope of identifying treatment strategies to lower mortality due to disseminated cancer. |
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Although the focus of most biological research is on molecular aspects, it is important not to forget the physical environment in which the molecules, cells and tissues interact. It is known that as a tumor grows outward, it can impinge and collapse vital structures such as the superior vena cava and the spinal cord. This same mechanical force caused by proliferating tumor cells also builds up inside of the growing tumor. The compressive mechanical force inside tumors is a solid stress, which is fundamentally different from the elevated fluid pressure found in tumors. |
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