Macphatics and PoEMs in Postpartum Mammary Development and Tumor Progression

In this report, we describe a subset of postpartum macrophages that express lymphatic proteins (PoEMs) and directly interact with lymphatic vessels to form chimeric vessels or “macphatics”. Additionally, th ese PoEMs are very similar to tumor-associated macrophages that also express lymphatic proteins and are present at the sites of lymphatic vessels where tumors escape the tissue and enter the lymphatic vasculature. Further characterizing these PoEMs may offer insight in preventing lymphatic metastasi s of breast cancer, as well as provide information for how developmental programming of lymphatic endothelial cells and macrophages can contribute to different disease progression.
Source: Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research