Angiogenesis plays an important role in healing processes as well as in progression of diseases such as cancer. While neovascularization is intensively studied with blood capillary system, lymphangiogenesis is less understood. We have been screening extract libraries for small molecules modulating the behaviour of cultured lymphatic epithelial cells. Active compounds were identified via HPLC-based activity profiling.

We have identified a class of plant derived secondary metabolites which are potent inducer of sprouting in 3D cultures of lymphatic endothelial cells. Underlying signalling pathways are currently studied. We are isolating preparative amounts of these compounds for their further exploration in animal models.