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NIH grant 1R01HL177004-01A1: MicroRNA-mediated regulation of lymphatic growth and function
Institute: {'code': 'HL', 'abbreviation': 'NHLBI', 'name': 'National Heart Lung and Blood Institute', 'admin_org_id': '12500068', 'admin_funding_url': ''}. PI: Yulia A Komarova. Award: $630810.
Start: 2026-09-11T00:00:00.
PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Lymphatic vessels are essential for maintaining tissue fluid balance, resolving inflammation, and supporting
immune function, which are core processes relevant to cardiovascular and endothelial biology. Dysregulated
lymphatic remodeling contributes to lymphedema, chronic inflammation, and cancer metastasis. However, the
molecular mechanisms guiding lymphatic regeneration remain poorly defined. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have
emerged as key regulators of vascular function, but their roles in lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) and vessel
remodeling are not well understood. Our preliminary studies identify microRNA-204 (miR-204) as a conserved
regulator of lymphangiogenesis that modulates LEC behavior, vessel growth, and structural recovery in vivo. We
hypothesize that miR-204 promotes lymphatic regeneration by targeting gene networks critical for LEC fate and
repair. We will test this hypothesis through three aims: (1) define the molecular mechanisms by which miR-204
regulates LEC identity and lymphangiogenesis; (2) investigate the role of miR-204 in lymphatic regeneration and
edema recovery in vivo; and (3) assess the therapeutic potential of miR-204 delivery to enhance lymphatic repair
and tissue recovery. This work integrates high-resolution imaging, lineage tracing, and miRNA-target discovery
across zebrafish and mouse models. Findings will advance our understanding of lymphatic biology and support
novel miRNA-based therapeutic strategies for vascular and lymphatic diseases.document fetched 2026-09-20 02:42