Metabolic controls on how lymphatic vessels form in cancer
Official title: Metabolic mechanisms controlling lymphatic vessel formation
Funded at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation · NIH-11378341 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A cancer-focused study is examining how the metabolism of lymphatic vessels affects their growth and how this could influence cancer spread and transplant rejection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $437,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL162985-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378341 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cancer or undergoing transplantation who may be affected by lymphatic vessel growth and metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
If a patient’s cancer or transplant does not involve lymphatic-driven changes, they may not benefit.
What this research studies
This research explores how VEGF-C drives the growth of lymphatic vessels and how the Warburg-like metabolism in lymphatic endothelial cells supports this process. It aims to uncover whether LDHA-mediated lactate production links metabolism to lymphangiogenesis in tumors and transplants. By using human-relevant cell models and animal studies, the team hopes to identify targets to develop new therapies that limit lymphatic growth in disease while minimizing side effects. The grant seeks to translate basic metabolic insights into potential anti-lymphangiogenic strategies for cancer treatment and transplantation outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new treatments that slow cancer spread and reduce transplant rejection by targeting lymphatic vessel growth.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary findings suggest the Warburg metabolism occurs in lymphatic endothelial cells, supporting a feasible path forward.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Pengchun — Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
- Study coordinator: Yu, Pengchun
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.