Although endogenous inhibitors of blood vessel growth have been studied extensively, specific inhibitors of lymphatic vessel growth have not been identified. Albuquerque et al. now identify truncated, secreted versions of mouse and human VEGFR-2 receptors generated by alternative splicing. The mouse protein acts as an endogenous inhibitor of lymphatic vessel growth in the cornea and skin, and its administration had therapeutic effects in mouse models of corneal injury and transplantation.
- Romulo J C Albuquerque
- Takahiko Hayashi
- Jayakrishna Ambati
