Understanding how NFATc1 dysregulation affects lymphatic health and brain fluid drainage
Official title: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches for Lymphatic Pathology Caused by Dysregulated NFATc1
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11458765 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how a specific cellular switch (NFATc1) goes haywire in lymphatic vessels and uses Down syndrome as a model to find ways to improve brain fluid drainage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $724,852 |
| NIH project number | 9R01HD119808-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11458765 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with Down syndrome or related lymphatic developmental issues who could contribute samples or participate in future translational studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without lymphatic or brain fluid drainage disorders may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
The project will explore how abnormal NFATc1 signaling disrupts the development and function of lymphatic vessels, using Down syndrome as a defined genetic model. Researchers will map the NFATc1–Prox1–COUP-TFII pathway and examine how DYRK1A/DSCR1 influence this network in human and mouse cells. They will test a mechanistic strategy to restore brain fluid drainage by activating Piezo1-controlled mechanotransduction, aiming to improve lymphatic function in the brain. The work combines transcriptomic and molecular analyses across developmental stages to identify points where intervention could reestablish normal lymphatic identity and CSF drainage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new strategies to restore brain fluid drainage in conditions where lymphatic function is impaired, potentially supporting better brain health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in lymphatic biology supports the importance of NFATc1 signaling; this project extends findings to a disease-relevant model (Down syndrome) and a brain-drainage focus, which is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
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Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hong, Young-Kwon — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hong, Young-Kwon
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.