The reason for this phenotype was identified by a genetic fate mapping approach, showing that Syk is expressed in myeloid cells which orchestrate the proper separation of lymphatics and blood system during embryogenesis and beyond.

[11] Abnormal function of Syk has been implicated in several instances of hematopoietic malignancies including translocations involving Itk and Tel.

Given the central role of SYK in transmission of activating signals within B-cells, a suppression of this tyrosine kinase might aid in the treatment of B cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases.

[citation needed] Syk inhibition has been proposed as a therapy for both lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

[15] The Syk inhibitor nilvadipine has been shown to regulate amyloid-β production and Tau phosphorylation and hence has been proposed as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease[16] and has entered phase III clinical trials.