Genetic Targeting of Lymphatic Endothelial Cells in Mice: Current Strategies and Future Perspectives

This document discusses the diversity of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and the use of mouse models for selective gene targeting of LECs. It provides an overview of commonly used LEC-specific inducible Cre lines and induction protocols, detailing essential experimental parameters and their implications. The authors describe optimized treatment regimens for targeting embryonic, postnatal, and adult LECs in organs like the mesentery and skin, highlighting the expected outcomes and limitations of each approach. The protocols aim to standardize lineage tracing and functional studies in lymphatic vascular research, offering recommendations for laboratories beginning such studies.