# Study of the Development and Function of the Uterine Lymphatics

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · 2024 · $46,438

## Abstract

Abstract
The lymphatic system is the central regulator of fluid homeostasis in the body through absorbing and returning
interstitial fluid back to blood circulation; additionally, it plays pivotal roles in lipid digestion and immune and
inflammatory response through the lymphoid organs and immune cell trafficking. Studies have documented the
presence of lymphatics in the uterus; however, little consensus exists regarding the exact development and
distribution of the uterine lymphatics nor their impact on uterine health functions. Understanding the proper
development and maintenance of the lymphatics may be of clinical importance, as lymphatics have been
implicated in pathogenesis uterine diseases such as endometriosis and cancer metastasis. In this study, we
propose to elucidate the development and functions of uterine lymphatics using Prox1 fluorescent lymphatic
reporter and lymphatic loss of function mouse models. Based on preliminary data, we hypothesize that the
uterine lymphatics develop postnatally under patterning guidance from uterine blood vessels, and that uterine
lymphatics remodel to maintain fluid homeostasis of the uterine environment through estrous phases and
pregnancy. After characterizing normal development of the murine uterine lymphatics, we will determine the
function of uterine lymphatics in the context of fluid drainage of the uterine tissue and regulation of embryonic
implantation sites and gestation. The maintenance of fluid homeostasis in the uterus through estrous phases
and pregnancy will be assessed through real-time tracer studies and wet/dry tissue weight ratios, while the role
of uterine lymphatics in embryonic implantation will be dissected through use of novel genetic and surgical
inducible lymphatic loss of function mouse models. Together, these study outcomes will generate a novel
understanding of murine uterine lymphatic morphology and function, which may provide a valuable new
viewpoint from which to assess uterine health.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10954712
- **Project number:** 5F31HL170787-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Luping Zhao
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $46,438
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-07-01 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10954712

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10954712, Study of the Development and Function of the Uterine Lymphatics (5F31HL170787-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10954712. Licensed CC0.

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