How lymphatic vessel cells control fluid drainage
Official title: Regulation of Lymphatic Endothelial Cell Junction and Drainage
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11418770 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are using 3D lab models to learn how lymphatic vessel cells control fluid drainage, which could affect people with Alzheimer's and other conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $35,305 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HL165135-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418770 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This project is laboratory-based and does not enroll patients, so no one is currently eligible to participate.
✕Less likely to help
People seeking immediate treatment or clinical care should not expect direct benefit from this basic research.
What this research studies
Scientists at Cornell are building three-dimensional lab models that mimic the tiny lymphatic vessels lining the body and brain. They will recreate the different junction types ('button' junctions that take up fluid and 'zipper' junctions that transport it) and expose them to inflammatory signals to see how drainage changes. The team will use imaging and molecular tests to track how cells, junctions, and proteins respond and how well fluid moves through the models. Understanding these changes could reveal why poor lymphatic drainage happens in conditions like Alzheimer's and point to targets for future treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to improve brain waste clearance and slow or prevent progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous 3D lymphatic models have shown vessel growth and basic drainage behaviors, but applying them specifically to inflammation-driven changes in initial lymphatic junctions is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Esak — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Esak
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.