Morphogenesis requires a tight coordination between mechanical forces and biochemical signals to inform individual cellular behavior. For these developmental processes to happen correctly the organism requires precise spatial and temporal coordination of the adhesion, migration, growth, differentiation, and apoptosis of cells originating from the three key embryonic layers, namely the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. The cytoskeleton and its remodeling are essential to organize and amplify many of the signaling pathways required for proper morphogenesis. In particular, the interaction of the cell junctions with the cytoskeleton functions to amplify the behavior of individual cells into collective events that are critical for development. In this review we summarize the key morphogenic events that occur during the formation of the face and the palate, as well as the protein complexes required for cell-to-cell adhesions. We then integrate the current knowledge into a comprehensive review of how mutations in cell-to-cell adhesion genes lead to abnormal craniofacial development, with a particular focus on cleft lip with or without cleft palate.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a chronic and debilitating complication of breast cancer treatment, commonly associated with mastectomy, axillary lymph node dissection, and adjuvant radiation therapy. Though demographic and treatment-related risk factors for BCRL are well documented, emerging evidence suggests that certain genetic polymorphisms may predispose some patients to developing the condition. This review aims to summarize the current research regarding the genetic variants implicated in the development and severity of BCRL. Several candidate genes related to lymphangiogenesis, inflammation, immune cell activation, and lymphatic contractility have been identified. Unfortunately, the existing literature remains limited by the small number of manuscripts, modest sample sizes, and heterogeneous methodologies of available studies. However, further research may shed light on screening options and lead to more personalized treatment strategies to mitigate the incidence and severity of secondary lymphedema.