Understanding how gut lymphatic vessels form and work to keep gut health in check
Official title: Mechanisms underlying form and function of the contractile gut lymphatics
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11450857 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Cornell is exploring how the lymphatic vessels in the gut develop and function, and why problems in this system can affect digestion and metabolism.
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 | April 1, 2012 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $764,502 |
| NIH project number | 2R01DK092776-13A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11450857 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include adults with Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome or related gut lymphatic issues who may later participate in translational studies based on these findings.
✕Less likely to help
People without gut lymphatic or metabolic disorders may not directly benefit from this basic mechanistic work.
What this research studies
Researchers are investigating the gut’s lacteal lymphatics, which help absorb fats and other nutrients. They use advanced single-cell and lineage-tracing methods to map how gut muscle and connective tissue cells interact to build and renew the lymphatic muscle layer. The project aims to uncover how Pitx2 and PDGFRa+ cells guide the formation and operation of the gut lymphatic network, with the goal of identifying targets to prevent malabsorption and related diseases. The work focuses on mechanisms that could translate into better treatments for conditions linked to gut lymphatics and systemic metabolism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This research could reveal new ways to treat or prevent metabolic and cardiovascular conditions tied to gut lymphatic function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that gut lymphatics play a key role in nutrient transport; this project builds on that foundation with newer, more detailed lineage-tracing approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kurpios, Natasza a — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Kurpios, Natasza a
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.