Friday, May 17, 2024
5/17/2024
Although various research institutions and clinics in the United States successfully train graduate students in cardiovascular biology, specific training in lymphatic biology is lacking. Lymph transport is critically involved in body fluid regulation, macromolecular homeostasis, lipid absorption, inflammation, and immune function. Lymphatic dysfunction is central to a number of pathologies, including primary/secondary lymphedema that affect millions of people worldwide. A dysfunctional lymphatic system also compromises the immune response, further exacerbating a number of inflammation-related diseases. Despite these known impacts, until recently the scientific and medical fields have not sufficiently recognized the importance of the lymphatic system. NIH has in recent years implemented several funding opportunities that specifically target lymphatic research. This effort has stimulated the growth of lymphatic biology research over the last decade. However, one of the important issues is the paucity of scientific investigators trained in lymphatic biology research. While this number has grown somewhat over the years, it is still an important limiting factor in the growth of understanding of the lymphatic system. Thus, this application addresses the need to create interdisciplinary programs to train new scientific investigators in the field of lymphatic biology. The proposed LYMphatics in Pathology and Health (LYMPH) Training Program will directly address this need. Indeed, the Division of Lymphatic Biology group at Texas A&M University has been doing so for the last decade, but the additional resources provided by this T32 award would greatly accelerate that process. This application requests support for 2 predoctoral trainees per year and for two consecutive years. Experienced investigators at Texas A&M University in the principles of lymphatic biology will offer predoctoral students strong, research-oriented training focusing on the principles of scientific methods and techniques, translational approaches, scientific responsibility and networking, scientific presentation and writing skills, as well as management and leadership training at Texas A&M University. This will produce well-versed, broadly trained, independent scientists to work in the field of lymphatic biology. A total of 23 faculty mentors are currently participating in this integrative LYMPH Training Program and the mentors’ research expertise extends across a variety of research areas, from genomics to molecular, cellular, imaging, developmental, immunological, and physiological phenotypes related to lymph transport and lymph flow mechanisms. Successful accomplishment of these goals will result in a new cadre of competent young scientists in the lymphatic biology area, who can successfully develop novel approaches in lymphatic research to aid in further understanding of the pathogenesis of lymphatic related diseases and to provide novel targets to improve lymphatic function, thus reducing disease in patients worldwide.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
