How lymphatic vessels control fluid drainage and cell connections
Regulation of Lymphatic Endothelial Cell Junction and Drainage
This research looks at how inflammation changes tiny lymphatic vessels that drain fluid and brain waste, which could matter for people with Alzheimer's disease.
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 ID | NIH-11120927 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team builds 3‑D lab models of lymphatic vessels to recreate the real structure that 2‑D cell cultures miss. They focus on the small initial vessels with permeable 'button' junctions versus collecting vessels with tighter 'zipper' junctions and watch how inflammation alters those junctions and drainage. By studying vessel development and morphogenesis in these 3‑D systems, they aim to pinpoint how impaired drainage could contribute to Alzheimer’s and other diseases. Findings may identify ways to protect or restore lymphatic clearance of brain waste.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, or those interested in research on brain waste clearance would be the most relevant patient group.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to lymphatic drainage or those seeking an immediate treatment are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets to improve lymphatic drainage and help clear brain waste, potentially slowing or reducing Alzheimer's-related damage.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and observational studies suggest lymphatic drainage affects brain health, but using detailed 3‑D human‑relevant models to study initial vessel junctions is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Ithaca, United States
- Cornell University — Ithaca, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Esak — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Esak
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 below.