@article {893,
	title = {Biomass-derived Lignin Nanoparticles for the Sustained Delivery of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C},
	journal = {Molecular Pharmaceutics},
	year = {Submitted},
	chapter = {submitted/preprint},
	doi = {10.1101/2025.04.23.649697},
	url = {https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.04.23.649697},
	author = {Mavali-Zadeh, Ahmad and Gatto, Emanuela and Lettieri, Raffaella and Bokharaie, Bokharaie and Caravella, Alice and D{\textquoteright}Ottavi, Cadia and di Bartolomeo, Elisabetta and Domenici, Fabio and Sima, Setareh and Correia, Alexandra and Rauniyar, Khushbu and Klose, Anna and Gounani, Zahra and Laaksonen, Timo and K{\"u}nnapuu, Jaana and Jeltsch, Michael}
}
@article {859,
	title = {Study of the Synergistic Immunomodulatory and Antifibrotic Effects of Dual-Loaded Budesonide and Serpine1 siRNA Lipid{\textendash}Polymer Nanoparticles Targeting Macrophage Dysregulation in Tendinopathy},
	journal = {ACS Applied Materials \& Interfaces},
	volume = {16},
	year = {2024},
	month = {May-04-2025},
	pages = {18643 - 18657},
	issn = {1944-8244},
	doi = {10.1021/acsami.4c02363},
	url = {https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsami.4c02363},
	author = {L{\'o}pez-Cerd{\'a}, Sandra and Molinaro, Giuseppina and ParejaTello, Rub{\'e}n and Correia, Alexandra and K{\"u}nig, Sarojinidevi and Steinberger, Peter and Jeltsch, Michael and Hirvonen, Jouni T. and Barreto, Goncalo and St{\"o}ckl, Johannes and Santos, H{\'e}lder A.}
}
@article {701,
	title = {Investigation on the role of biallelic variants in VEGF-C found in a patient affected by Milroy-like lymphedema},
	journal = {Molecular Genetics \& Genomic Medicine},
	volume = {00},
	year = {2020},
	month = {Feb-06-2022},
	pages = {e1389},
	issn = {2324-9269},
	doi = {10.1002/mgg3.1389},
	url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/mgg3.1389},
	author = {Mukenge, Sylvain and Jha, Sawan K. and Catena, Marco and Manara, Elena and Lepp{\"a}nen, Veli-Matti and Lenti, Elisa and Negrini, Daniela and Bertelli, Matteo and Brendolan, Andrea and Jeltsch, Michael and Aldrighetti, Luca}
}
@article {708,
	title = {VEGF-C Protects the Integrity of Bone Marrow Perivascular Niche},
	journal = {Blood},
	year = {2020},
	month = {2020/07/31/},
	pages = {accepted - for publication},
	abstract = {Key Points. Vegfc deletion in endothelial or LepR+ cells compromises the bone marrow perivascular niche and hematopoietic stem cell maintenance.Exogenous admin},
	doi = {10.1182/blood.2020005699},
	url = {https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/doi/10.1182/blood.2020005699/463465/VEGF-C-Protects-the-Integrity-of-Bone-Marrow},
	author = {Fang, Shentong and Chen, Shuo and Nurmi, Harri and Lepp{\"a}nen, Veli-Matti and Jeltsch, Michael and Scadden, David T. and Silberstein, Lev and Mikkola, Hanna and Alitalo, Kari}
}
@article {693,
	title = {KLK3/PSA and cathepsin D activate VEGF-C and VEGF-D},
	journal = {eLife},
	volume = {8},
	year = {2019},
	month = {2019/05/17/},
	pages = {e44478},
	abstract = {Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) acts primarily on endothelial cells, but also on non-vascular targets, e.g. in the CNS and immune system. Here we describe a novel, unique VEGF-C form in the human reproductive system produced via cleavage by kallikrein-related peptidase 3 (KLK3), aka prostate-specific antigen (PSA). KLK3 activated VEGF-C specifically and efficiently through cleavage at a novel N-terminal site. We detected VEGF-C in seminal plasma, and sperm liquefaction occurred concurrently with VEGF-C activation, which was enhanced by collagen and calcium binding EGF domains 1 (CCBE1). After plasmin and ADAMTS3, KLK3 is the third protease shown to activate VEGF-C. Since differently activated VEGF-Cs are characterized by successively shorter N-terminal helices, we created an even shorter hypothetical form, which showed preferential binding to VEGFR-3. Using mass spectrometric analysis of the isolated VEGF-C-cleaving activity from human saliva, we identified cathepsin D as a protease that can activate VEGF-C as well as VEGF-D.},
	keywords = {cancer biology, Cathepsin D, kallikrein-related peptidases, KLK3/PSA, Lymphangiogenesis, mouse, VEGF-C, VEGF-D},
	isbn = {2050-084X},
	url = {https://elifesciences.org/articles/44478},
	author = {Jha, Sawan K and Rauniyar, Khushbu and Chronowska, Ewa and Mattonet, Kenny and Maina, Eunice W and Koistinen, Hannu and Stenman, Ulf-H{\r a}kan and Alitalo, Kari and Jeltsch, Michael}
}
@inbook {500,
	title = {The genetic causes of primary lymphedema.},
	booktitle = {Erkrankungen des Lymphgef{\"a}{\ss}systems},
	year = {2015},
	pages = {210-229},
	publisher = {Viavital Verlag},
	organization = {Viavital Verlag},
	edition = {6},
	chapter = {5},
	address = {Cologne},
	abstract = {English:
Primary lymphedema can be treated, but not cured. In addition, their diagnosis is due to heterogeneous phenotypes often ambiguous. However, these problems can be tackled by identifying the edema-causing genetic lesions to yield unambiguous diagnoses and by developing specific treatments that address the underlying, molecular cause. New developments in molecular biology are providing the necessary tools for these tasks and in the recent years the genetic causes of many forms of primary lymphedema have been identified, notably by exome sequencing. For a significant proportion of lymphatic disorders multifactorial genetic causes are suspected.
This chapter provides an overview of the current knowledge on the genetic origin, the categorization as well as the molecular and biochemical causes of primary lymphedema.

German:
Prim{\"a}re Lymph{\"o}deme sind behandelbar, aber nicht heilbar. Zudem ist die Diagnostik aufgrund heterogener Ph{\"a}notypen oft nicht eindeutig. Um diese Probleme anzugehen, m{\"u}ssen die das {\"O}dem verursachenden genetischen Ursachen gefunden, diagnostiziert und gezielt behandelt werden. Die hierzu notwendigen Techniken liefern die neuen Entwicklungen in der Molekularbiologie. Insbesondere durch die Technik der Exom-Sequenzierung wurden in den letzten Jahren die genetischen Ursachen vieler prim{\"a}rer Lymph{\"o}deme identifiziert. F{\"u}r einen weiteren gro{\ss}en Anteil dieser Erkrankungen werden multifaktorielle genetische Dispositionen vermutet.
Dieses Kapitel gibt einen {\"U}berblick {\"u}ber den derzeitigen Kenntnisstand der genetischen Ursachen, der Kategorisierung sowie der molekularbiologischen und biochemischen Grundlagen prim{\"a}rer Lymph{\"o}deme.},
	isbn = {978-3-934371-53-8},
	author = {Mattonet, Kenny and Wilting, J{\"o}rg and Jeltsch, Michael},
	editor = {Weissleder, Horst and Schuchhardt, Christian}
}
@article {504,
	title = {Heterogeneity of the origin of the lymphatic system. [German].},
	journal = {Lymphologie in Forschung und Praxis},
	volume = {19},
	year = {2015},
	month = {12/2015},
	pages = {84-88},
	type = {Review},
	abstract = {The question {\textquotedblleft}How does the lymphatic system develop?{\textquotedblright} may be a simple one, but it is fundamental to our understanding of lymphatic malformations in children and the regeneration of lymphatics in adults. The question is by no means new and was already explored in the early 20 century. This resulted in a long-lasting controversy, which until recently had been far from being settled. The interest in the lymphatic system has greatly increased in recent years due to its implications in a variety of diseases. Several studies published this year address the heterogeneity of lymphatic endothelial cell development and unite previous controversially discussed data in a coherent model. These remarkable results, as well as the studies that paved their way, are discussed in this review.},
	issn = {1433-5255},
	url = {http://www.dglymph.de/fileadmin/global/pdfs/LymphForsch_2-15.pdf},
	author = {Mattonet, Kenny and Jeltsch, Michael}
}
@article {481,
	title = {Substrate efflux propensity is the key determinant of iPLA-β-mediated glycerophospholipid hydrolysised},
	journal = {Journal of Biological Chemistry},
	year = {2015},
	month = {2015/02/23},
	abstract = {A-type phospholipases (PLAs) are key players in glycerophospholipid (GPL)homeostasis and in mammalian cells, Ca2+-independent PLA-beta (iPLAβ) in particular has been implicated in this essential process.However, the regulation of this enzyme,which is necessary to avoid futile competition between synthesis and degradation, is not understood. Recently, we provided evidence that the efflux of the substrate molecules from the bilayer is the rate-limiting step in the hydrolysis of GPLs by some secretory nonhomeostatic) PLAs. To study if this is the case with iPLAβ as well a mass-spectrometric assay was employed to determine the rate of hydrolysis of multiple saturated and unsaturated GPL species in parallel using micelles or vesicle bilayers as the macrosubstrate. With micelles, the hydrolysis decreased with increasing acyl chain length independent of unsaturation and modest discrimination between acyl positional isomers was observed, presumably due to the differences in the structure of the sn1 and sn2 acyl binding sites of the protein. In striking contrast, no significant discrimination between positional isomers was observed with bilayers, and the rate of hydrolysis decreased with the acyl chain length logarithmically and far more than with micelles. These data provide compelling evidence that efflux of the substrate molecule from the bilayer, which also decreases monotonously with acyl chain length, is the rate-determining step in iPLAβ- mediated hydrolysis of GPLs in membranes. This finding is intriguing as it may help to understand how homeostatic PLAs are regulated and how degradation and biosynthesis are coordinated.},
	doi = {10.1074/jbc.M115.642835},
	url = {http://www.jbc.org/content/early/2015/02/23/jbc.M115.642835.abstract},
	author = {Batchu, Krishna Chaithanya and Hokynar, Kati and Jeltsch, Michael and Mattonet, Kenny and Somerharju, Pentti}
}
@article {442,
	title = {Structural and mechanistic insights into VEGF receptor 3 ligand binding and activation},
	journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
	volume = {110},
	year = {2013},
	month = {08/2013},
	pages = {12960 - 12965},
	abstract = {Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptors (VEGFRs) are key drivers of blood and lymph vessel formation in development, but also in several pathological processes. VEGF-C signaling through VEGFR-3 promotes lymphangiogenesis, which is a clinically relevant target for treating lymphatic insufficiency and for blocking tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. The extracellular domain of VEGFRs consists of seven Ig homology domains; domains 1-3 (D1-3) are responsible for ligand binding, and the membrane-proximal domains 4-7 (D4-7) are involved in structural rearrangements essential for receptor dimerization and activation. Here we analyzed the crystal structures of VEGF-C in complex with VEGFR-3 domains D1-2 and of the VEGFR-3 D4-5 homodimer. The structures revealed a conserved ligand-binding interface in D2 and a unique mechanism for VEGFR dimerization and activation, with homotypic interactions in D5. Mutation of the conserved residues mediating the D5 interaction (Thr446 and Lys516) and the D7 interaction (Arg737) compromised VEGF-C induced VEGFR-3 activation. A thermodynamic analysis of VEGFR-3 deletion mutants showed that D3, D4-5, and D6-7 all contribute to ligand binding. A structural model of the VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 D1-7 complex derived from small-angle X-ray scattering data is consistent with the homotypic interactions in D5 and D7. Taken together, our data show that ligand-dependent homotypic interactions in D5 and D7 are essential for VEGFR activation, opening promising possibilities for the design of VEGFR-specific drugs.},
	keywords = {Amino Acid Sequence, Binding Sites, Binding, Competitive, Crystallography, X-Ray, Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel, Humans, Ligands, Microscopy, Electron, Models, Molecular, Molecular Sequence Data, Multiprotein Complexes, Mutation, Protein Binding, Protein Multimerization, Protein Structure, Tertiary, Scattering, Small Angle, Sequence Homology, Amino Acid, Thermodynamics, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3, X-Ray Diffraction},
	isbn = {1091-6490},
	doi = {10.1073/pnas.1301415110},
	url = {http://www.pnas.org/content/110/32/12960.long},
	author = {Lepp{\"a}nen, Veli-Matti and Tvorogov, Denis and Kisko, Kaisa and Prota, Andrea E and Jeltsch, Michael and Anisimov, Andrey and Markovic-Mueller, Sandra and Stuttfeld, Edward and Goldie, Kenneth N and Ballmer-Hofer, Kurt and Alitalo, Kari}
}
@article {425,
	title = {A truncation allele in vascular endothelial growth factor c reveals distinct modes of signaling during lymphatic and vascular development.},
	journal = {Development},
	volume = {140},
	year = {2013},
	month = {2013 Apr},
	pages = {1497-506},
	abstract = {<p>Vascular endothelial growth factor C (Vegfc) is a secreted protein that guides lymphatic development in vertebrate embryos. However, its role during developmental angiogenesis is not well characterized. Here, we identify a mutation in zebrafish vegfc that severely affects lymphatic development and leads to angiogenesis defects on sensitized genetic backgrounds. The um18 mutation prematurely truncated Vegfc, blocking its secretion and paracrine activity but not its ability to activate its receptor Flt4. When expressed in endothelial cells, vegfc(um18) could not rescue lymphatic defects in mutant embryos, but induced ectopic blood vessel branching. Furthermore, vegfc-deficient endothelial cells did not efficiently contribute to tip cell positions in developing sprouts. Computational modeling together with assessment of endothelial cell dynamics by time-lapse analysis suggested that an autocrine Vegfc/Flt4 loop plays an important role in migratory persistence and filopodia stability during sprouting. Our results suggest that Vegfc acts in two distinct modes during development: as a paracrine factor secreted from arteries to guide closely associated lymphatic vasculature and as an autocrine factor to drive migratory persistence during angiogenesis.</p>},
	keywords = {Alleles, Animals, Animals, Genetically Modified, Autocrine Communication, Blood Vessels, Cell Movement, Codon, Nonsense, Embryo, Nonmammalian, Female, Lymphatic System, Mice, Mice, Knockout, Neovascularization, Physiologic, Paracrine Communication, Protein Isoforms, Signal Transduction, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C, Zebrafish, Zebrafish Proteins},
	issn = {1477-9129},
	doi = {10.1242/dev.084152},
	author = {Villefranc, Jacques A and Nicoli, Stefania and Bentley, Katie and Jeltsch, Michael and Zarkada, Georgia and Moore, John C and Gerhardt, Holger and Alitalo, Kari and Lawson, Nathan D}
}
@article {39,
	title = {Claudin-like protein 24 interacts with the VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 pathways and regulates lymphatic vessel development},
	journal = {Genes Dev},
	volume = {24},
	year = {2010},
	month = {2010/May/},
	pages = {875 - 80},
	abstract = {The Claudin-like protein of 24 kDa (CLP24) is a hypoxia-regulated transmembrane protein of unknown function. We show here that clp24 knockdown in Danio rerio and Xenopus laevis results in defective lymphatic development. Targeted disruption of Clp24 in mice led to enlarged lymphatic vessels having an abnormal smooth muscle cell coating. We also show that the Clp24(-/-) phenotype was further aggravated in the Vegfr2(+/LacZ) or Vegfr3(+/LacZ) backgrounds and that CLP24 interacts with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and VEGFR-3 and attenuates the transcription factor CREB phosphorylation via these receptors. Our results indicate that CLP24 is a novel regulator of VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 signaling pathways and of normal lymphatic vessel structure.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20439428},
	author = {Saharinen, Pipsa and Helotera, Hanna and Miettinen, Juho and Norrmen, Camilla and D{\textquoteright}Amico, Gabriela and Jeltsch, Michael and Langenberg, Tobias and Vandevelde, Wouter and Ny, Annelii and Dewerchin, Mieke and Carmeliet, Peter and Alitalo, Kari}
}
@article {43,
	title = {Vascular endothelial growth factor-B acts as a coronary growth factor in transgenic rats without inducing angiogenesis, vascular leak, or inflammation},
	journal = {Circulation},
	volume = {122},
	year = {2010},
	month = {2010/Oct/},
	pages = {1725 - 33},
	abstract = {BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor-B (VEGF-B) binds to VEGF receptor-1 and neuropilin-1 and is abundantly expressed in the heart, skeletal muscle, and brown fat. The biological function of VEGF-B is incompletely understood. METHODS AND RESULTS: Unlike placenta growth factor, which binds to the same receptors, adeno-associated viral delivery of VEGF-B to mouse skeletal or heart muscle induced very little angiogenesis, vascular permeability, or inflammation. As previously reported for the VEGF-B(167) isoform, transgenic mice and rats expressing both isoforms of VEGF-B in the myocardium developed cardiac hypertrophy yet maintained systolic function. Deletion of the VEGF receptor-1 tyrosine kinase domain or the arterial endothelial Bmx tyrosine kinase inhibited hypertrophy, whereas loss of VEGF-B interaction with neuropilin-1 had no effect. Surprisingly, in rats, the heart-specific VEGF-B transgene induced impressive growth of the epicardial coronary vessels and their branches, with large arteries also seen deep inside the subendocardial myocardium. However, VEGF-B, unlike other VEGF family members, did not induce significant capillary angiogenesis, increased permeability, or inflammatory cell recruitment. CONCLUSIONS: VEGF-B appears to be a coronary growth factor in rats but not in mice. The signals for the VEGF-B-induced cardiac hypertrophy are mediated at least in part via the endothelium. Because cardiomyocyte damage in myocardial ischemia begins in the subendocardial myocardium, the VEGF-B-induced increased arterial supply to this area could have therapeutic potential in ischemic heart disease.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20937974},
	author = {Bry, Maija and Kivel{\"a}, Riikka and Holopainen, Tanja and Anisimov, Andrey and Tammela, Tuomas and Soronen, Jarkko and Silvola, Johanna and Saraste, Antti and Jeltsch, Michael and Korpisalo, Petra and Carmeliet, Peter and Lemstr{\"o}m, Karl B and Shibuya, Masabumi and Yl{\"a}-Herttuala, Seppo and Alhonen, Leena and Mervaala, Eero and Andersson, Leif C and Knuuti, Juhani and Alitalo, Kari}
}
@article {37,
	title = {Overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor-B in mouse heart alters cardiac lipid metabolism and induces myocardial hypertrophy},
	journal = {Circ Res},
	volume = {103},
	year = {2008},
	month = {2008/Oct/},
	pages = {1018 - 26},
	abstract = {Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-B is poorly angiogenic but prominently expressed in metabolically highly active tissues, including the heart. We produced mice expressing a cardiac-specific VEGF-B transgene via the alpha-myosin heavy chain promoter. Surprisingly, the hearts of the VEGF-B transgenic mice showed concentric cardiac hypertrophy without significant changes in heart function. The cardiac hypertrophy was attributable to an increased size of the cardiomyocytes. Blood capillary size was increased, whereas the number of blood vessels per cell nucleus remained unchanged. Despite the cardiac hypertrophy, the transgenic mice had lower heart rate and blood pressure than their littermates, and they responded similarly to angiotensin II-induced hypertension, confirming that the hypertrophy does not compromise heart function. Interestingly, the isolated transgenic hearts had less cardiomyocyte damage after ischemia. Significantly increased ceramide and decreased triglyceride levels were found in the transgenic hearts. This was associated with structural changes and eventual lysis of mitochondria, resulting in accumulation of intracellular vacuoles in cardiomyocytes and increased death of the transgenic mice, apparently because of mitochondrial lipotoxicity in the heart. These results suggest that VEGF-B regulates lipid metabolism, an unexpected function for an angiogenic growth factor.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18757827},
	author = {Karpanen, Terhi and Bry, Maija and Ollila, Hanna M and Sepp{\"a}nen-Laakso, Tuulikki and Liimatta, Erkki and Leskinen, Hanna and Kivel{\"a}, Riikka and Helkamaa, Teemu and Merentie, Mari and Jeltsch, Michael and Paavonen, Karri and Andersson, Leif C and Mervaala, Eero and Hassinen, Ilmo E and Yl{\"a}-Herttuala, Seppo and Oresic, Matej and Alitalo, Kari}
}
@article {36,
	title = {Reevaluation of the role of VEGF-B suggests a restricted role in the revascularization of the ischemic myocardium},
	journal = {Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol},
	volume = {28},
	year = {2008},
	month = {2008/Sep/},
	pages = {1614 - 20},
	abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The endogenous role of the VEGF family member vascular endothelial growth factor-B (VEGF-B) in pathological angiogenesis remains unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied the role of VEGF-B in various models of pathological angiogenesis using mice lacking VEGF-B (VEGF-B(-/-)) or overexpressing VEGF-B(167). After occlusion of the left coronary artery, VEGF-B deficiency impaired vessel growth in the ischemic myocardium whereas, in wild-type mice, VEGF-B(167) overexpression enhanced revascularization of the infarct and ischemic border zone. By contrast, VEGF-B deficiency did not affect vessel growth in the wounded skin, hypoxic lung, ischemic retina, or ischemic limb. Moreover, VEGF-B(167) overexpression failed to enhance vascular growth in the skin or ischemic limb. CONCLUSIONS: VEGF-B appears to have a relatively restricted angiogenic activity in the ischemic heart. These insights might offer novel therapeutic opportunities.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18511699},
	author = {Li, Xuri and Tjwa, Marc and Van Hove, Inge and Enholm, Berndt and Neven, Elke and Paavonen, Karri and Jeltsch, Michael and Juan, Toni Diez and Sievers, Richard E and Chorianopoulos, Emmanuel and Wada, Hiromichi and Vanwildemeersch, Maarten and Noel, Agnes and Foidart, Jean-Michel and Springer, Matthew L and von Degenfeld, Georges and Dewerchin, Mieke and Blau, Helen M and Alitalo, Kari and Eriksson, Ulf and Carmeliet, Peter and Moons, Lieve}
}
@article {33,
	title = {Distinct architecture of lymphatic vessels induced by chimeric vascular endothelial growth factor-C/vascular endothelial growth factor heparin-binding domain fusion proteins},
	journal = {Circ Res},
	volume = {100},
	year = {2007},
	month = {2007/May/},
	pages = {1468 - 75},
	abstract = {Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and VEGF-D are composed of the receptor-binding VEGF homology domain and a carboxy-terminal silk homology domain that requires proteolytic cleavage for growth factor activation. Here, we explored whether the C-terminal heparin-binding domain of the VEGF(165) or VEGF(189) isoform also containing neuropilin-binding sequences could substitute for the silk homology domain of VEGF-C. Such VEGF-C/VEGF-heparin-binding domain chimeras were produced and shown to activate VEGF-C receptors, and, when expressed in tissues via adenovirus or adeno-associated virus vectors, stimulated lymphangiogenesis in vivo. However, both chimeras induced a distinctly different pattern of lymphatic vessels when compared with VEGF-C. Whereas VEGF-C-induced vessels were initially a dense network of small diameter vessels, the lymphatic vessels induced by the chimeric growth factors tended to form directly along tissue borders, along basement membranes that are rich in heparan sulfate. For example, in skeletal muscle, the chimeras induced formation of lumenized lymphatic vessels more efficiently than wild-type VEGF-C. We conclude that the matrix-binding domain of VEGF can target VEGF-C activity to heparin-rich basement membrane structures. These properties may prove useful for tissue engineering and attempts to regenerate lymphatic vessels in lymphedema patients.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17478733},
	author = {Tammela, Tuomas and He, Yulong and Lyytikk{\"a}, Johannes and Jeltsch, Michael and Markkanen, Johanna and Pajusola, Katri and Yl{\"a}-Herttuala, Seppo and Alitalo, Kari}
}
@article {34,
	title = {Enhanced capillary formation stimulated by a chimeric vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular endothelial growth factor-C silk domain fusion protein},
	journal = {Circ Res},
	volume = {100},
	year = {2007},
	month = {2007/May/},
	pages = {1460 - 7},
	abstract = {Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and VEGF-D require proteolytic cleavage of the carboxy terminal silk-homology domain for activation. To study the functions of the VEGF-C propeptides, we engineered a chimeric growth factor protein, VEGF-CAC, composed of the amino- and carboxy-terminal propeptides of VEGF-C fused to the receptor-activating core domain of VEGF. Like VEGF-C, VEGF-CAC underwent proteolytic cleavage, and like VEGF, it bound to and activated VEGF receptor-1 and VEGF receptor-2, but not the VEGF-C receptor VEGF receptor-3. VEGF-CAC also bound to neuropilins in a heparin-dependent manner. Strikingly, when VEGF-CAC was expressed via an adenovirus vector in the ear skin of immunodeficient mice, it proved to be a more potent inducer of capillary angiogenesis than VEGF. The VEGF-CAC-induced vessels differed greatly from those induced by VEGF, as they formed a very dense and fine network of pericyte and basement membrane-covered capillaries that were functional, as shown by lectin perfusion experiments. VEGF-CAC could prove useful in proangiogenic therapies in patients experiencing tissue ischemia.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17478734},
	author = {Keskitalo, Salla and Tammela, Tuomas and Lyytikka, Johannes and Karpanen, Terhi and Jeltsch, Michael and Markkanen, Johanna and Yla-Herttuala, Seppo and Alitalo, Kari}
}
@article {29,
	title = {Pathogenesis of persistent lymphatic vessel hyperplasia in chronic airway inflammation},
	journal = {J Clin Invest},
	volume = {115},
	year = {2005},
	month = {2005/Feb/},
	pages = {247 - 57},
	abstract = {Edema occurs in asthma and other inflammatory diseases when the rate of plasma leakage from blood vessels exceeds the drainage through lymphatic vessels and other routes. It is unclear to what extent lymphatic vessels grow to compensate for increased leakage during inflammation and what drives the lymphangiogenesis that does occur. We addressed these issues in mouse models of (a) chronic respiratory tract infection with Mycoplasma pulmonis and (b) adenoviral transduction of airway epithelium with VEGF family growth factors. Blood vessel remodeling and lymphangiogenesis were both robust in infected airways. Inhibition of VEGFR-3 signaling completely prevented the growth of lymphatic vessels but not blood vessels. Lack of lymphatic growth exaggerated mucosal edema and reduced the hypertrophy of draining lymph nodes. Airway dendritic cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and epithelial cells expressed the VEGFR-3 ligands VEGF-C or VEGF-D. Adenoviral delivery of either VEGF-C or VEGF-D evoked lymphangiogenesis without angiogenesis, whereas adenoviral VEGF had the opposite effect. After antibiotic treatment of the infection, inflammation and remodeling of blood vessels quickly subsided, but lymphatic vessels persisted. Together, these findings suggest that when lymphangiogenesis is impaired, airway inflammation may lead to bronchial lymphedema and exaggerated airflow obstruction. Correction of defective lymphangiogenesis may benefit the treatment of asthma and other inflammatory airway diseases.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15668734},
	author = {Baluk, Peter and Tammela, Tuomas and Ator, Erin and Lyubynska, Natalya and Achen, Marc G and Hicklin, Daniel J and Jeltsch, Michael and Petrova, Tatiana V and Pytowski, Bronislaw and Stacker, Steven A and Yl{\"a}-Herttuala, Seppo and Jackson, David G and Alitalo, Kari and McDonald, Donald M}
}
@article {27,
	title = {Intrinsic versus microenvironmental regulation of lymphatic endothelial cell phenotype and function},
	journal = {FASEB J},
	volume = {17},
	year = {2003},
	month = {2003/Nov/},
	pages = {2006 - 13},
	abstract = {Vascular endothelial cells are characterized by a high degree of functional and phenotypic plasticity, which is controlled both by their pericellular microenvironment and their intracellular gene expression programs. To gain further insight into the mechanisms regulating the endothelial cell phenotype, we have compared the responses of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and blood vascular endothelial cells (BECs) to vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs). VEGFR-3-specific signals are sufficient for LEC but not BEC proliferation, as shown by the ability of the specific ligand VEGF-C156S to stimulate cell cycle entry only in LECs. On the other hand, we found that VEGFR-3 stimulation did not induce LEC cell shape changes typical of VEGFR-2-stimulated LECs, indicating receptor-specific differences in the cytoskeletal responses. Genes induced via VEGFR-2 also differed between BECs and LECs: angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) was induced via VEGFR-2 in BECs and LECs, but the smooth muscle cell (SMC) chemoattractant BMP-2 was induced only in BECs. Both BECs and LECs were able to promote SMC chemotaxis, but contact with SMCs led to down-regulation of VEGFR-3 expression in BECs in a 3-dimensional coculture system. This was consistent with the finding that VEGFR-3 is down-regulated in vivo at sites of endothelial cell-pericyte/smooth muscle cell contacts. Collectively, these data show intrinsic cell-specific differences of BEC and LEC responses to VEGFs and identify a pericellular regulatory mechanism for VEGFR-3 down-regulation in endothelial cells.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14597670},
	author = {Veikkola, Tanja and Lohela, Marja and Ikenberg, Kristian and M{\"a}kinen, Taija and Korff, Thomas and Saaristo, Anne and Petrova, Tatania and Jeltsch, Michael and Augustin, Hellmut G and Alitalo, Kari}
}
@article {26,
	title = {VEGF guides angiogenic sprouting utilizing endothelial tip cell filopodia},
	journal = {J Cell Biol},
	volume = {161},
	year = {2003},
	month = {2003/Jun/},
	pages = {1163 - 77},
	abstract = {Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) is a major regulator of blood vessel formation and function. It controls several processes in endothelial cells, such as proliferation, survival, and migration, but it is not known how these are coordinately regulated to result in more complex morphogenetic events, such as tubular sprouting, fusion, and network formation. We show here that VEGF-A controls angiogenic sprouting in the early postnatal retina by guiding filopodial extension from specialized endothelial cells situated at the tips of the vascular sprouts. The tip cells respond to VEGF-A only by guided migration; the proliferative response to VEGF-A occurs in the sprout stalks. These two cellular responses are both mediated by agonistic activity of VEGF-A on VEGF receptor 2. Whereas tip cell migration depends on a gradient of VEGF-A, proliferation is regulated by its concentration. Thus, vessel patterning during retinal angiogenesis depends on the balance between two different qualities of the extracellular VEGF-A distribution, which regulate distinct cellular responses in defined populations of endothelial cells.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12810700},
	author = {Gerhardt, Holger and Golding, Matthew and Fruttiger, Marcus and Ruhrberg, Christiana and Lundkvist, Andrea and Abramsson, Alexandra and Jeltsch, Michael and Mitchell, Christopher and Alitalo, Kari and Shima, David and Betsholtz, Christer}
}
@article {22,
	title = {Signalling via vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 is sufficient for lymphangiogenesis in transgenic mice},
	journal = {EMBO J},
	volume = {20},
	year = {2001},
	month = {2001/Mar/},
	pages = {1223 - 31},
	abstract = {Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) has an essential role in the development of embryonic blood vessels; however, after midgestation its expression becomes restricted mainly to the developing lymphatic vessels. The VEGFR-3 ligand VEGF-C stimulates lymphangiogenesis in transgenic mice and in chick chorioallantoic membrane. As VEGF-C also binds VEGFR-2, which is expressed in lymphatic endothelia, it is not clear which receptors are responsible for the lymphangiogenic effects of VEGF-C. VEGF-D, which binds to the same receptors, has been reported to induce angiogenesis, but its lymphangiogenic potential is not known. In order to define the lymphangiogenic signalling pathway we have created transgenic mice overexpressing a VEGFR-3-specific mutant of VEGF-C (VEGF-C156S) or VEGF-D in epidermal keratinocytes under the keratin 14 promoter. Both transgenes induced the growth of lymphatic vessels in the skin, whereas the blood vessel architecture was not affected. Evidence was also obtained that these growth factors act in a paracrine manner in vivo. These results demonstrate that stimulation of the VEGFR-3 signal transduction pathway is sufficient to induce specifically lymphangiogenesis in vivo.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11250889},
	author = {Veikkola, T and Jussila, L and Makinen, T and Karpanen, T and Jeltsch, M and Petrova, T V and Kubo, H and Thurston, G and McDonald, D M and Achen, M G and Stacker, S A and Alitalo, K}
}
@conference {653,
	title = {Signalling via VEGFR-3 is sufficient for lymphangiogenesis in transgenic mice.},
	booktitle = {Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics: Discovery, Biology, and Clinical Applications},
	year = {2001},
	month = {2001/10/29/},
	address = {Miami Beach, Florida},
	author = {Jussila, L. and Veikkola, T. and Jeltsch, M. and Thurston, G. and McDonald, D. and Achen, M. and Stacker, S. and Alitalo, K.}
}
@article {23,
	title = {Vascular endothelial growth factor-C-mediated lymphangiogenesis promotes tumour metastasis},
	journal = {EMBO J},
	volume = {20},
	year = {2001},
	month = {2001/Feb/},
	pages = {672 - 82},
	abstract = {Metastasis is a frequent and lethal complication of cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) is a recently described lymphangiogenic factor. Increased expression of VEGF-C in primary tumours correlates with dissemination of tumour cells to regional lymph nodes. However, a direct role for VEGF-C in tumour lymphangiogenesis and subsequent metastasis has yet to be demonstrated. Here we report the establishment of transgenic mice in which VEGF-C expression, driven by the rat insulin promoter (Rip), is targeted to beta-cells of the endocrine pancreas. In contrast to wild-type mice, which lack peri-insular lymphatics, RipVEGF-C transgenics develop an extensive network of lymphatics around the islets of Langerhans. These mice were crossed with Rip1Tag2 mice, which develop pancreatic beta-cell tumours that are neither lymphangiogenic nor metastatic. Double-transgenic mice formed tumours surrounded by well developed lymphatics, which frequently contained tumour cell masses of beta-cell origin. These mice frequently developed pancreatic lymph node metastases. Our findings demonstrate that VEGF-C-induced lymphangiogenesis mediates tumour cell dissemination and the formation of lymph node metastases.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11179212},
	author = {Mandriota, S J and Jussila, L and Jeltsch, M and Compagni, A and Baetens, D and Prevo, R and Banerji, S and Huarte, J and Montesano, R and Jackson, D G and Orci, L and Alitalo, K and Christofori, G and Pepper, M S}
}
@article {20,
	title = {Intravascular adenovirus-mediated VEGF-C gene transfer reduces neointima formation in balloon-denuded rabbit aorta},
	journal = {Circulation},
	volume = {102},
	year = {2000},
	month = {2000/Oct/},
	pages = {2262 - 8},
	abstract = {BACKGROUND: Gene transfer to the vessel wall may provide new possibilities for the treatment of vascular disorders, such as postangioplasty restenosis. In this study, we analyzed the effects of adenovirus-mediated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C gene transfer on neointima formation after endothelial denudation in rabbits. For comparison, a second group was treated with VEGF-A adenovirus and a third group with lacZ adenovirus. Clinical-grade adenoviruses were used for the study. METHODS AND RESULTS: Aortas of cholesterol-fed New Zealand White rabbits were balloon-denuded, and gene transfer was performed 3 days later. Animals were euthanized 2 and 4 weeks after the gene transfer, and intima/media ratio (I/M), histology, and cell proliferation were analyzed. Two weeks after the gene transfer, I/M in the lacZ-transfected control group was 0. 57+/-0.04. VEGF-C gene transfer reduced I/M to 0.38+/-0.02 (P:<0.05 versus lacZ group). I/M in VEGF-A-treated animals was 0.49+/-0.17 (P:=NS). The tendency that both VEGF groups had smaller I/M persisted at the 4-week time point, when the lacZ group had an I/M of 0.73+/-0.16, the VEGF-C group 0.44+/-0.14, and the VEGF-A group 0. 63+/-0.21 (P:=NS). Expression of VEGF receptors 1, 2, and 3 was detected in the vessel wall by immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization. As an additional control, the effect of adenovirus on cell proliferation was analyzed by performing gene transfer to intact aorta without endothelial denudation. No differences were seen in smooth muscle cell proliferation or I/M between lacZ adenovirus and 0.9\% saline-treated animals. CONCLUSIONS: Adenovirus-mediated VEGF-C gene transfer may be useful for the treatment of postangioplasty restenosis and vessel wall thickening after vascular manipulations.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11056103},
	author = {Hiltunen, M O and Laitinen, M and Turunen, M P and Jeltsch, M and Hartikainen, J and Rissanen, T T and Laukkanen, J and Niemi, M and Kossila, M and H{\"a}kkinen, T P and Kivel{\"a}, A and Enholm, B and Mansukoski, H and Turunen, A M and Alitalo, K and Yl{\"a}-Herttuala, S}
}
@article {17,
	title = {Vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B) binds to VEGF receptor-1 and regulates plasminogen activator activity in endothelial cells},
	journal = {Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A},
	volume = {95},
	year = {1998},
	month = {1998/Sep/},
	pages = {11709 - 14},
	abstract = {The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family has recently expanded by the identification and cloning of three additional members, namely VEGF-B, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D. In this study we demonstrate that VEGF-B binds selectively to VEGF receptor-1/Flt-1. This binding can be blocked by excess VEGF, indicating that the interaction sites on the receptor are at least partially overlapping. Mutating the putative VEGF receptor-1/Flt-1 binding determinants Asp63, Asp64, and Glu67 to alanine residues in VEGF-B reduced the affinity to VEGF receptor-1 but did not abolish binding. Mutational analysis of conserved cysteines contributing to VEGF-B dimer formation suggest a structural conservation with VEGF and platelet-derived growth factor. Proteolytic processing of the 60-kDa VEGF-B186 dimer results in a 34-kDa dimer containing the receptor-binding epitopes. The binding of VEGF-B to its receptor on endothelial cells leads to increased expression and activity of urokinase type plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, suggesting a role for VEGF-B in the regulation of extracellular matrix degradation, cell adhesion, and migration.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9751730},
	author = {Olofsson, B and Korpelainen, E and Pepper, M S and Mandriota, S J and Aase, K and Kumar, V and Gunji, Y and Jeltsch, M M and Shibuya, M and Alitalo, K and Eriksson, U}
}
@article {16,
	title = {Vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGF-D) is a ligand for the tyrosine kinases VEGF receptor 2 (Flk1) and VEGF receptor 3 (Flt4)},
	journal = {Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A},
	volume = {95},
	year = {1998},
	month = {1998/Jan/},
	pages = {548 - 53},
	abstract = {We have identified a member of the VEGF family by computer-based homology searching and have designated it VEGF-D. VEGF-D is most closely related to VEGF-C by virtue of the presence of N- and C-terminal extensions that are not found in other VEGF family members. In adult human tissues, VEGF-D mRNA is most abundant in heart, lung, skeletal muscle, colon, and small intestine. Analyses of VEGF-D receptor specificity revealed that VEGF-D is a ligand for both VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) VEGFR-2 (Flk1) and VEGFR-3 (Flt4) and can activate these receptors. However. VEGF-D does not bind to VEGFR-1. Expression of a truncated derivative of VEGF-D demonstrated that the receptor-binding capacities reside in the portion of the molecule that is most closely related in primary structure to other VEGF family members and that corresponds to the mature form of VEGF-C. In addition, VEGF-D is a mitogen for endothelial cells. The structural and functional similarities between VEGF-D and VEGF-C define a subfamily of the VEGFs.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9435229},
	author = {Achen, M G and Jeltsch, M and Kukk, E and M{\"a}kinen, T and Vitali, A and Wilks, A F and Alitalo, K and Stacker, S A}
}
@article {15,
	title = {Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C synergizes with basic fibroblast growth factor and VEGF in the induction of angiogenesis in vitro and alters endothelial cell extracellular proteolytic activity},
	journal = {J Cell Physiol},
	volume = {177},
	year = {1998},
	month = {1998/Dec/},
	pages = {439 - 52},
	abstract = {Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) is a recently characterized member of the VEGF family of angiogenic polypeptides. We demonstrate here that VEGF-C is angiogenic in vitro when added to bovine aortic or lymphatic endothelial (BAE and BLE) cells but has little or no effect on bovine microvascular endothelial (BME) cells. As reported previously for VEGF, VEGF-C and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) induced a synergistic in vitro angiogenic response in all three cells lines. Unexpectedly, VEGF and VEGF-C also synergized in the in vitro angiogenic response when assessed on BAE cells. Characterization of VEGF receptor (VEGFR) expression revealed that BME, BAE, and BLE cell lines express VEGFR-1 and -2, whereas of the three cell lines assessed, only BAE cells express VEGFR-3. We also demonstrate that VEGF-C increases plasminogen activator (PA) activity in the three bovine endothelial cell lines and that this is accompanied by a concomitant increase in PA inhibitor-1. Addition of alpha2-antiplasmin to BME cells co-treated with bFGF and VEGF-C partially inhibited collagen gel invasion. These results demonstrate, first, that by acting in concert with bFGF or VEGF, VEGF-C has a potent synergistic effect on the induction of angiogenesis in vitro and, second, that like VEGF and bFGF, VEGF-C is capable of altering endothelial cell extracellular proteolytic activity. These observations also highlight the notion of context, i.e., that the activity of an angiogenesis-regulating cytokine depends on the presence and concentration of other cytokines in the pericellular environment of the responding endothelial cell.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9808152},
	author = {Pepper, M S and Mandriota, S J and Jeltsch, M and Kumar, V and Alitalo, K}
}
@article {10,
	title = {Hyperplasia of lymphatic vessels in VEGF-C transgenic mice},
	journal = {Science (80- )},
	volume = {276},
	year = {1997},
	month = {1997/May/},
	pages = {1423 - 5},
	abstract = {No growth factors specific for the lymphatic vascular system have yet been described. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulates vascular permeability and angiogenesis, but does not promote lymphangiogenesis. Overexpression of VEGF-C, a ligand of the VEGF receptors VEGFR-3 and VEGFR-2, in the skin of transgenic mice resulted in lymphatic, but not vascular, endothelial proliferation and vessel enlargement. Thus, VEGF-C induces selective hyperplasia of the lymphatic vasculature, which is involved in the draining of interstitial fluid and in immune function, inflammation, and tumor metastasis. VEGF-C may play a role in disorders involving the lymphatic system and may be of potential use in therapeutic lymphangiogenesis.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9162011},
	author = {Jeltsch, M and Kaipainen, A and Joukov, V and Meng, X and Lakso, M and Rauvala, H and Swartz, M and Fukumura, D and Jain, R K and Alitalo, K}
}
@article {11,
	title = {VEGF and VEGF-C: specific induction of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in the differentiated avian chorioallantoic membrane},
	journal = {Dev Biol},
	volume = {188},
	year = {1997},
	month = {1997/Aug/},
	pages = {96 - 109},
	abstract = {The lymphangiogenic potency of endothelial growth factors has not been studied to date. This is partially due to the lack of in vivo lymphangiogenesis assays. We have studied the lymphatics of differentiated avian chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) using microinjection of Mercox resin, semi- and ultrathin sectioning, immunohistochemical detection of fibronectin and alpha-smooth muscle actin, and in situ hybridization with VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 probes. CAM is drained by lymphatic vessels which are arranged in a regular pattern. Arterioles and arteries are accompanied by a pair of interconnected lymphatics and form a plexus around bigger arteries. Veins are also associated with lymphatics, particularly larger veins, which are surrounded by a lymphatic plexus. The lymphatics are characterized by an extremely thin endothelial lining, pores, and the absence of a basal lamina. Patches of the extracellular matrix can be stained with an antibody against fibronectin. Lymphatic endothelial cells of differentiated CAM show ultrastructural features of this cell type. CAM lymphatics do not possess mediae. In contrast, the lymphatic trunks of the umbilical stalk are invested by a single but discontinuous layer of smooth muscle cells. CAM lymphatics express VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3. Both the regular pattern and the typical structure of these lymphatics suggest that CAM is a suitable site to study the in vivo effects of potential lymphangiogenic factors. We have studied the effects of VEGF homo- and heterodimers, VEGF/PlGF heterodimers, and PlGF and VEGF-C homodimers on Day 13 CAM. All the growth factors containing at least one VEGF chain are angiogenic but do not induce lymphangiogenesis. PlGF-1 and PlGF-2 are neither angiogenic nor lymphangiogenic. VEGF-C is the first lymphangiogenic factor and seems to be highly chemoattractive for lymphatic endothelial cells. It induces proliferation of lymphatic endothelial cells and development of new lymphatic sinuses which are directed immediately beneath the chorionic epithelium. Our studies show that VEGF and VEGF-C are specific angiogenic and lymphangiogenic growth factors, respectively.},
	url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9245515},
	author = {Oh, S J and Jeltsch, M M and Birkenh{\"a}ger, R and McCarthy, J E and Weich, H A and Christ, B and Alitalo, K and Wilting, J}
}
