Much of the hospital's success in identifying and treating children with hearing loss is the result of the rapid transfer of research findings from laboratories to clinic and bedside.

Areas of Research - Lymphatic Research Laboratory

Richard M. Tempero M.D. Ph.D., Director
Boys Town National Research Hospital
555 North 30th Street
Omaha NE 68131

Overview

The major goal in our laboratory is to understand the relationship between diseases of airway inflammation and lymphatic system. Lymphatic vessels provide an egress of interstitial fluid and improve the capacity for pathogen surveillance by directing interstitial fluid and leukocytes towards regional lymph nodes. The results of preclinical models have demonstrated that lymphatic remodeling and growth occurs in response to inflammation and malignancy, a process known as lymphangiogenesis. Conceptually lymphangiogenesis has many similarities to angiogenesis; however, the pathologic consequences of lymphangiogenesis driven by malignancy or inflammation are not understood. For instance, lymphangiogenesis may negatively or positively alter fluid transport or immunity and this may worsen or improve conditions of chronic inflammatory disease, such as asthma. Clinical studies and modern techniques of genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology are in use to investigate the lymphatic system in normal and diseased states.

Projects

We have a strong interest in understanding the constituents of the extracellular matrix that support and stimulate lymphangiogenesis. It is hypothesized that members of the integrin family mediate important signals to lymphatic endothelial cells. One project in our laboratory is directed towards understanding the cellular, molecular, and signaling properties of α and β integrin molecules expressed on lymphatic endothelial cells. Several approaches using experimental models with different levels of complexity have been developed to address these questions.

Clinical studies are in process to determine the role of atypical pathogens such as Mycoplasma Pneumonia in the etiology of tonsillitis and the effect of this organism on the lymphatic vasculature. The human tonsil model of inflammation is attractive because it provides abundant tissue for analysis and the principles generated from studying the tonsil may provide insight to other conditions of inflammation such as asthma. Addressing clinical questions validates our preclinical findings and translates our knowledge base from the laboratory to the bedside, potentially improving medical management of chronic inflammatory conditions.

Staff

Philip E. Kelley, Ph.D.

Maria M. Volkmer, B.S.

Amanda M. Schieler