MOLECULAR-GENETICS AND DEVELOPMENT OF MAST-CELLS - IMPLICATIONS FOR MOLECULAR MEDICINE

For a long time the biology of mast cells has remained an enigma. Duri ng the past few decades, molecular research has filled many of the gap s in our understanding of this multifunctional cell type. Several conc epts are now established about the origin and development of mast cell s. However, the mechanisms leading to autonomous proliferation of mast cells in patients with indolent or aggressive mastocytosis still requ ire further investigation. This article focuses on the recent advances in the field of mast cell development and abnormal mast cell prolifer ation, and reviews data from the most significant mouse models, which have provided the basis for many of these new insights.