Excited to share that our recent paper showing GLP-1R agonism directly improves the pumping capacity of lymphatic vessels is featured on the journal cover! doi.org/10.1111/micc... @jcastorena.bsky.social

Our newest study is now published. Here we show that GLP-1Rs are expressed in the lymphatic vasculature and enriched in LECs. And pharmacological activation by semaglutide enhances the pumping capacity of collectors. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

GLP‐1 Receptors Are Enriched in the Lymphatic Endothelium and Their Pharmacological Activation With Semaglutide Improves the Pumping Capacity of Lymphatic Vessels

Objectives Recent clinical studies have suggested that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists may be effective therapies to treat or reduce the risk of developing secondary lymphedema. I.....

onlinelibrary.wiley.com

Had a wonderful time presenting our work, catching up with friends, and learning so much at #GRCLymphatics in Italy! @jcastorena.bsky.social

GLP-1R Agonism Directly Improves the Pumping Capacity of Murine Collecting Lymphatic Vessels https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.26.696603v1

Pumped to share our new preprint showing GLP-1R agonism directly improves lymphatic contractility!

Jorge Castorena@jcastorena.bsky.social · 7mo ago

Our new preprint led by @maryschulz.bsky.social is now up. We show that semaglutide enhances the pumping capacity of collecting lymphatics. Our results support recent case reports suggesting beneficial effects of GLP-1R agonists in secondary lymphedema patients. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...

Very proud of my student @maryschulz.bsky.social, who just received a NOA for her NIH-F31 project to study obesity-induced lymphatic dysfunction and explore novel therapeutics. Also, her recent paper (www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/...), has been highlighted by an Editorial at ATVB. Congrats, Mary!

scRNAseq of🐭collecting lymphatic vessels😎 Cell type-specific #LymphaticEndothelialCell vs peri-lymphatic myeloid cell contributions of TRPV4 in distinct stages of lymphatic contractile activity @maryschulz.bsky.social @jcastorena.bsky.social #ATVB 2025 www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10....

Grateful for the opportunity to present our research at #LymphaticForum2025 in Chicago and learn about all the cutting edge research in lymphatics! Special thanks to LE&RN for the travel award! @jcastorena.bsky.social

Excited to share our work on TRPV4 channels in lymphatic contractile function! www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/... @jcastorena.bsky.social @ahajournals.bsky.social @ahascience.bsky.social

Regulation of Collecting Lymphatic Vessel Contractile Function by TRPV4 Channels | Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology

BACKGROUND: Dysregulation of TRPV4 (transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4)–mediated signaling has been associated with inflammation and tissue fibrosis, both of which are key features in the p...

ahajournals.org

Our study with Mike Davis showing that a component of the lymphatic contractile impairment in db/db mice is mediated by the activation of KATP channels in lymphatic muscle cells, in part due to chronic metabolic stress associated with elevated glucose, is now out. www.frontiersin.org/journals/phy...

Frontiers | Chronic metabolic stress impairs lymphatic contractility via activation of KATP channels in a mouse model of Type-2 diabetes

frontiersin.org

Our latest publication investigating the role of #palmitoylation in #lymphatic endothelial integrity. Big shoutout to Silvia Gonzalez-Nieves, Simon GUIGNARD and Thi Nguyen for their incredible work and dedication. 👏👏 www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

Insulin regulates lymphatic endothelial integrity via palmitoylation

Lipid metabolism plays a critical role in lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) development and vessel maintenance. Altered lipid metabolism is associated …

sciencedirect.com

Not science related, but had to document the monumental snowstorm that happened in NOLA yesterday! ❄️