# Modifying adipocyte and pre-adipocyte cell fate in fibroadipose tissue of secondary lymphedema

> **NIH AR K08** · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · 2026 · $172,760

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 Secondary lymphedema is a morbid condition affecting over 5 million patients in the United States.
Patients with this condition develop lymphatic retention, which progresses to irreversible subcutaneous
fibroadipose deposition in the affected extremity. As a result, patients experience chronic pain, decreased
mobility and function, open wounds, and overall reduced quality-of-life. In Aim 1, I will examine how a
stimulation of a signaling mediator which augments adipocyte differentiation may reduce overall fibroadipose
deposition by preventing the proliferation of pathologic stem cell populations. In Aim 2, I will examine how
inhibition of a pro-survival signaling mediator may impact adipocyte and pre-adipocyte survival. In the process,
I seek to understand whether specific subsets of these cells are more likely to undergo apoptosis. Finally, in
Aim 3, I seek to develop a local cell therapy which obviates the systemic adverse effects of therapies which
modify cell differentiation or survival. In the process, I will have developed a therapy which is capable of
secreting microRNA, paving the way for a new class of cell therapeutics.
 The career development award is indispensable for my maturation as a physician-scientist, to serve as a
scientific and clinical leader performing research which is inspired by the challenges my patients face, rigorous
in its evaluation of the underlying pathogenesis of this condition, and translational in its consideration of
treatment strategies. I am supported by a team of mentors with expertise in stem cell and adipocyte biology,
clinical lymphedema management, and in academic plastic surgery leadership. I am also supported by a team
of additional scientific advisors with expertise in lymphedema biology, cell therapy, and translational medicine.
The institution is committed to my success, with protected time for activities proposed in this award, laboratory
space, salary support, and laboratory funding. During the 5-yea

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11307662
- **Project number:** 5K08AR082031-04
- **Recipient organization:** BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Shailesh  Agarwal
- **Activity code:** K08 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** AR
- **Fiscal year:** 2026
- **Award amount:** $172,760
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-03-01T00:00:00 → 2028-02-28T00:00:00

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11307662

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11307662, Modifying adipocyte and pre-adipocyte cell fate in fibroadipose tissue of secondary lymphedema (5K08AR082031-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-16 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11307662. Licensed CC0.

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