Understanding how lymphatic muscle cells work in lymphedema
Regulation of lymphatic muscle cell function by store operated calcium entry signaling
This research explores how calcium helps lymphatic muscle cells pump fluid, which is important for people with lymphedema.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11089540 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Secondary lymphedema causes debilitating swelling and scarring, affecting many Americans due to problems with lymphatic vessels. We believe that the tiny muscle cells within these vessels, called lymphatic muscle cells, don't pump fluid effectively when someone has lymphedema. This project aims to discover how calcium signals inside these muscle cells control their pumping action and how they adapt to pressure changes. By understanding these basic mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to help these vessels work better.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients, but future studies stemming from this work may seek individuals with lymphedema or healthy volunteers.
Not a fit: Patients whose lymphedema is not related to lymphatic muscle cell dysfunction may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that improve lymphatic vessel function and reduce swelling for patients with lymphedema.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of calcium in lymphatic muscle cells is known, the specific mechanisms of store-operated calcium entry are novel and largely unexplored in this context.
Where this research is happening
Columbia, United States
- University of Missouri-Columbia — Columbia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zawieja, Scott D. — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Zawieja, Scott D.
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.