Simple Gene Knockdown in Endothelial Cells Using Short Interfering RNA Oligonucleotides.

Cell transfection using short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) is a widely used technique to perform loss of function studies by "knocking down" genes of interest. Oftentimes, primary cells can be difficult to transfect, but here we provide a simple and robust method using cultured endothelial cells and routine transfection reagents. Knockdown studies can be used to complement overexpression studies and validate biochemical pathway analysis, as well as functional assays.

Transcription Factor Control of Lymphatic Quiescence and Maturation of Lymphatic Neovessels in Development and Physiology.

The lymphatic system is a vascular system comprising modified lymphatic endothelial cells, lymph nodes and other lymphoid organs. The system has diverse, but critical functions in both physiology and pathology, and forms an interface between the blood vascular and immune system. It is increasingly evident that remodelling of the lymphatic system occurs alongside remodelling of the blood microvascular system, which is now considered a hallmark of most pathological conditions as well as being critical for normal development.