The role of lymphatic fluid flow in development, immunity, cancer metastasis and lymphedema

In the lymphatic system, the role of fluid flow in development and disease is poorly understood. In collaboration with a team of cardiologists and vascular biologists, we have demonstrated that fluid flow serves as a physical stimulus inducing expression of genes required for lymphatic valve development.

Future research planned includes characterizing the interplay between lymphatic flow and cell transport in immunity, cancer metastasis, and lymphedema.