TRPV4's role in lymphatic vessels and metabolic syndrome
Official title: Trpv4 regulation of lymphatic vascular function: Implications in metabolic syndrome
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11293397 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at whether changing activity of a protein called TRPV4 can help lymphatic vessels pump better and reduce complications in people with obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | March 20, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $468,142 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168568-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11293397 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with obesity or metabolic syndrome, especially those with swelling, circulation issues, or related inflammatory problems, would be most relevant for future trials stemming from this work.
✕Less likely to help
People without metabolic syndrome or obesity-related lymphatic problems would be unlikely to see direct benefit from this research.
What this research studies
From my point of view as a patient, the team is studying how TRPV4 channels affect the tiny lymph vessels that move fluid, fats, and immune cells. They will use lab models (cells and animal models) to see how too much TRPV4 activity harms vessel pumping and barrier function. The researchers will test drugs or genetic approaches that lower TRPV4 activity to see if lymphatic contraction, leakage, and inflammation improve. They will measure fluid transport, vessel contractions, and related changes in lipid handling and immune signals to link those results to metabolic problems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that improve lymphatic pumping and reduce inflammation and metabolic complications in people with obesity-related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Laboratory and animal studies have linked TRPV4 activity to vascular inflammation and lymphatic problems, but using TRPV4-targeted approaches to treat metabolic syndrome has not been tested in humans yet.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Castorena, Jorge Augusto — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Castorena, Jorge Augusto
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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.