Systems Genetics Of Ocular Angiogenesis And Lymphangiogenesis

Purpose: Increasing evidence shows that angiogenesis, as well as lymphangiogenesis, play a key role in ocular physiology and pathology. Lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis occur in concert, however, how blood and lymphatic vessels regulate each other has been unknown. VEGF-A in known to play an important role in angiogenesis as well as lymphangiogenesis. In this study, we evaluated VEGF-A induced corneal lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis by dissecting the existing genetic heterogeneity using a systems genetic approach.Methods: Corneal angiogenesis & lymphangiogenesis was measured in 37 different inbred mouse strains from Hybrid Mouse Diversity Panel (HMDP) using a well-established corneal micropocket assay. A slow-release pellet containing 200ng of VEGF-A was implanted in the cornea. Neovascular area was assessed using a slit lamp. For measuring lymphangiogenesis …