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Lymphangiogenesis, lymphatic systemomics, and cancer: context, advances and unanswered questions

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Abstract

Ever since it was discovered that endothelial cells line lymphatic vessels, investigators have been working on unraveling the mechanisms that control the growth of this distinctive endothelium and its role in normal physiology and human disease. Recent technological advances have ushered in a new era of “omics” research on the lymphatic system. Research on the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome of lymphatics has increased our understanding of the biology of the lymphatic vasculature. Here, we introduce the context—lymphatic “systemomics,” then briefly review some of the latest advances in research on tumor-associated lymphatic vessels highlighting several “omic” studies that have shed light on mechanisms controlling the growth and function of tumor-associated lymphatic vessels. We conclude by returning, with unanswered questions, to the larger context of cancer and the lymphatic system as a vasculature, circulation, route of entry and transport, and control center of the immune network.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, NB8.218, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390-8593, USA

    Michael T. Dellinger

  2. Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA

    Michael T. Dellinger

  3. Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, 1501 N. Campbell Avenue, PO Box 245200, Tucson, AZ, 85724-5200, USA

    Marlys H. Witte

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  1. Michael T. Dellinger
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  2. Marlys H. Witte
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Correspondence to Michael T. Dellinger or Marlys H. Witte.

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Dellinger, M.T., Witte, M.H. Lymphangiogenesis, lymphatic systemomics, and cancer: context, advances and unanswered questions. Clin Exp Metastasis 35, 419–424 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10585-018-9907-9

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