New insights into the biology and pathology of the cutaneous lymphatic system

The cutaneous lymphatic system plays an important role in the maintenance of tissue fluid homeostasis, in the afferent phase of the immune response, and in the metastatic spread of skin cancers. The recent identification of genes that specifically control lymphatic development and the growth of lymphatic vessels (lymphangiogenesis), together with the discovery of new lymphatic endothelium-specific markers have now provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms that control lymphatic development and function. These scientific advances have also led to a new understanding of the genetic basis of several hereditary diseases that are associated with lymphedema, and they have provided surprising evidence that malignant tumors can directly promote lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis.