Notch proteins and adult lymphatic vessels
Notch Signaling in the Adult Lymphatic Vasculature
This project looks at how Notch proteins control lymphatic vessels in adults and how that might help people with lymphatic-related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235926 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how Notch receptors (Notch1 and Notch4) and their ligands (Jag1 and Dll4) help maintain and regrow adult lymphatic vessels. They use laboratory-grown lymphatic cells, engineered mouse models that lack specific Notch genes, and molecular experiments to see how changes affect cell growth, vessel patterning, and cell–cell junctions. The team has found that Notch4 influences dermal lymphatic patterning and that some effects appear specific to adult females. Understanding these mechanisms could suggest targets for therapies to improve lymphatic repair and barrier function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with lymphatic disorders or conditions tied to lymphatic dysfunction (for example lymphedema, liver fibrosis, psoriasis, metabolic disease, or cancer-related lymphatic problems) would be most relevant, although this grant is preclinical and does not enroll patients.
Not a fit: People without lymphatic-related conditions or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to benefit directly from this lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to treatments that protect or restore lymphatic vessels and help people with lymphedema and other diseases linked to lymphatic dysfunction.
How similar studies have performed: Notch signaling has been implicated in vascular biology and some Notch-targeting therapies are in development, but detailed adult-specific work on Notch4 in lymphatics and the reported female-specific effects are relatively new.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shawber, Carrie J — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Shawber, Carrie J
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.