Investigating how specific channels in lymphatic cells affect obesity
Official title: Lymphatic Endothelial Piezo1-TRPV4 Channel Signaling in Obesity
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11035059 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in our lymphatic system might affect weight gain and health problems related to obesity, focusing on specific channels that help these cells work properly, and it aims to find ways to fix these issues to help people manage their weight better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | February 14, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $90,000 |
| NIH project number | 5K99DK138271-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035059 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing obesity or related metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or do not have obesity-related health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) in obesity, focusing on how their signaling pathways may contribute to weight gain and related health issues. The study examines the function of ion channels, specifically TRPV4 and Piezo1, in regulating lymphatic barrier integrity and how their dysfunction can lead to adipose tissue accumulation. By using mouse models, the research aims to identify the mechanisms behind lymphatic dysfunction in obesity and how these pathways can be targeted for therapeutic interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for obesity and its associated health risks, such as cardiovascular disease and stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding lymphatic function and its impact on obesity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Yen-Lin — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Chen, Yen-Lin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how knee pain and knee obesity and muscle loss affect knee osteoarthritis
This project looks at how knee swelling, excess knee fat, and muscle loss relate to pain and structural changes in knee osteoarthritis in adults.
-
Understanding how maternal and infant sleep and daily rhythms influence early appetite and obesity risk
This project explores how infant sleep, circadian rhythms, and maternal-infant timing relate to early appetite patterns and the risk of obesity in the first year of life.
-
GLP-1 receptor agonists as immune targets to treat asthma in lean and obese adults
Aims to understand how GLP-1R‑agonist diabetes medicines may directly calm immune cells to reduce asthma in adults who are lean or obese.
-
Understanding how where you live and personal factors during pregnancy affect a child’s risk for obesity and metabolic problems
This project looks at how neighborhood conditions and individual factors during pregnancy may influence a child’s risk of obesity and metabolic health as they grow.
-
Multicomponent lifestyle program to curb obesity and cardiometabolic risk in Samoan children
A locally designed lifestyle program aimed at preventing obesity and heart-disease risk in Samoan kids, with a focus on daily routines, healthy eating, sleep, and family support.
-
Game-based mobile app to help pregnant women with overweight/obesity manage weight in Nepal
A new app designed for pregnant women in Nepal with overweight or obesity to help manage weight gain during pregnancy and reduce weight retention after birth.
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.