Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill received a Project Grant award of $109,696 from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) under the Cardiovascular Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.837), with an award date of June 4, 2026, and a completion date of April 30, 2028. This award supports research investigating the role of apelin receptor (APJ) signaling in lymphatic vessel function and mechanotransduction. The research aims to characterize how APJ signaling, activated by both ligands (apelin and elabela) and mechanical forces such as wall shear stress, regulates critical lymphatic functions including vessel development, vasodilation, and restoration of lymphatic function. This mechanistic investigation is intended to establish the scientific foundation for therapeutic interventions targeting lymphedema (LD), a disabling tissue swelling condition affecting an estimated 250 million individuals worldwide.

The award provides research support and career development funding for Dr. Yanna Tian, a postdoctoral fellow, under the mentorship of Dr. Kathleen M. Caron, a recognized specialist in G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signal transduction and lymphatic vessel biology. The training and research outcomes are designed to facilitate Dr. Tian's transition to independent investigator status while advancing understanding of APJ signaling mechanisms relevant to ongoing clinical trials for lymphedema treatment. The research will be conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Chapel Hill, NC location.