Meeting of SFB 1607 scientists at the First European Symposium on the Lymphatic System

Members of the SFB 1607 played an important role in shaping the First European Symposium on the Lymphatic System, held April 23-25 in Toulouse, France. About 100 researchers came together, including speakers from Finland, Czech Republic, Australia, Spain, USA, Switzerland and Israel. The symposium highlighted the integration of basic research with clinical applications, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding and treating lymphatic disorders. Prof. Friedemann Kiefer from the University of Münster (Project B04) served on the organizing committee of this new international conference dedicated to advancing lymphatic biology. The event aims to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and offer a platform for young scientists to present their work.

As part of the session on “Interorgan Communication” – chaired by Prof. Kiefer – Dr. Karina Hadrian (Project A04) gave a talk on “Mutation in the Pax6 gene leads to an ingrowth of lymphatic vessels into the cornea and an aniridia-like phenotype“. In the opening session on “Lymphatic Development,” chaired by Dr. Oliver Stone (University of Oxford), Prof. Stefan Schulte-Merker (University of Münster, Project C02) presented his research on “New genes in old pathways: lymphatics in zebrafish, mice and men”.

Further contributions from the SFB 1607 included a poster presentation by Dr. Thomas Clahsen (Project A02) on “Modulation of lymphangiogenesis and immigration of macrophages by Angiopoietin-like 4” and Šejla Gegić on “The Role of Tyrosinase in Corneal Structure, Immune Cell Distribution, and Lymphangiogenesis: Implications for Therapeutic Intervention”.

The event featured eight sessions and brought together researchers from across Europe for a very fruitful, scientific exchange.