Regulation of lymphatic vessel junctions and fluid drainage
Official title: Regulation of Lymphatic Endothelial Cell Junction and Drainage
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11403790 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH-funded project studies how lymphatic vessels develop and drain fluid, with potential implications for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
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 start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $440,762 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL165135-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11403790 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to this non-patient-facing basic science grant.
✕Less likely to help
There may be no direct benefit to patients from this basic mechanistic study during its early phases.
What this research studies
If funded, researchers will study how lymphatic vessels form and change their junctions in 3D models to better understand how fluid and waste are cleared from tissues. The work compares early, permeable lymphatic vessels with mature, less permeable ones to see how inflammation affects their structure and function. By using advanced 3D tissue models, the study aims to mimic human brain lymphatics and uncover mechanisms that may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of brain waste clearance could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer’s-related dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous 3D models of lymphatic vessels have provided insight, but how inflammation alters initial versus collecting lymphatic vessels remains to be clarified.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Esak — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Esak
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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.