How tiny cellular antennae (primary cilia) control lymphatic vessel growth
Official title: Primary Cilia-Dependent Mechanisms of Lymphangiogenesis
Funded at South Dakota State University · NIH-11355417 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at how tiny cellular antennae called primary cilia control lymphatic vessel growth to help people with lymphedema, transplant complications, or cancer-related swelling.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | South Dakota State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Brookings, United States) |
| Project start | March 20, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $337,908 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM135008-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11355417 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with lymphedema, patients with corneal transplant neovascularization, or individuals with cancers that involve lymphatic spread would be most relevant to this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without lymphatic system problems or whose conditions are unrelated to lymph vessel growth are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
What this research studies
This project focuses on primary cilia, small antenna-like structures on lymphatic endothelial cells, and how they influence the way lymph vessels form and grow. The team uses cell-based experiments and genetically modified mice lacking a key cilia protein (IFT20) to see how loss of cilia changes vessel sprouting, migration, and proliferation. Methods include molecular tools such as CRISPR, imaging, and animal models to map the signaling pathways involved. The aim is to identify targets that could be developed into therapies to promote healing or prevent harmful lymphatic growth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to treat or prevent abnormal lymph vessel growth in conditions such as lymphedema, corneal transplant rejection, and cancer-associated spread.
How similar studies have gone: This is a relatively new area—preclinical mouse data indicate cilia influence lymphangiogenesis, but therapies targeting this mechanism have not yet been proven in people.
Where this research is happening
-
South Dakota State University
Brookings, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fink, Darci M. — South Dakota State University
- Study coordinator: Fink, Darci M.
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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.