Understanding Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and Lymphatic Vessels

TSC Proteins in the Lymphatic Vasculature

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA · NIH-11114000

This research explores how changes in lymphatic vessels contribute to severe breathing problems in people with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC).

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (TAMPA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11114000 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a lifelong condition causing tumors in various organs, and it currently has no cure. A serious complication for some patients is chylothorax, where milky fluid builds up around the lungs, making it hard to breathe and potentially leading to respiratory failure. While it's often thought that tumors simply press on lymphatic vessels, we want to find out if the TSC genetic changes directly affect these vessels themselves. By understanding how lymphatic vessels are involved in TSC, we hope to discover new ways to treat this challenging aspect of the disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), especially those who experience chylothorax or related lymphatic complications, are the focus of this research.

Not a fit: Patients without Tuberous Sclerosis Complex or those whose symptoms are unrelated to lymphatic vessel dysfunction may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments specifically targeting lymphatic vessel issues in TSC patients, potentially preventing or alleviating severe breathing difficulties like chylothorax.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary findings in mouse models suggest a direct link between TSC genes and lymphatic vessel issues, indicating a promising new direction for understanding chylothorax in TSC.

Where this research is happening

TAMPA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Bourneville Disease, Bourneville syndrome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.