NIH R01 · 2025
Role of Piezo1-controlled Prox1 Modification in Lymphatic Valve Formation
PROGRAM SUMMARY Our proposal aims to elucidate how lymphatic endothelial cells detect external fluid forces and convert these signals into a biological program that orchestrates lymphatic valve formation. We are particularly focused on the role of Piezo1, a mechanosensitive ion channel in lymphatic endothelial cells, in sensing bidirectional oscillatory fluid flow and activating downstream effectors. This activation leads to a post-translational modification of Prox1, the homeodomain transcription factor critical for lymphatic development. We hypothesize that this specific modification of Prox1 is essential for the formation of lymphatic and lymphovenous valves, as the modification alters…
From the public funding record at NIH RePORTER. Describes the funded project, not the reviews below.