Title:
Human Lymphatic System on a Chip
Abstract:
We develop and engineer three-dimensional (3D) microphysiological systems (MPS) of human lymphatics to better understand lymphatic functions and dysfunction and provide new therapeutic strategies to treat lymphatic-related human diseases, including (i) lymphedema, (ii) cancer, and (iii) neurological disease. Lymphatic vessels drain interstitial fluid and maintain tissue fluid homeostasis; thus, lymphatic vessel dysfunction can cause lymphedema (swelling due to excess fluid buildup). Lymph fluids also contain biomolecules (e.g., antigens, metabolic waste) and cells (e.g., immune cells, cancer cells), which affect host immunity, waste clearance, and cancer. We develop and engineer the MPS to recapitulate unique lymphatic structures, including the initial and collecting lymphatic vessels with button- and zipper cell junctions and primary and secondary lymphatic valves, which are the hallmark functional properties of the lymphatic vessels.
Bio:
Esak (Isaac) Lee serves as an Assistant Professor and holds the title of Nancy and Peter Meinig Family Investigator in the Life Sciences in the Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University. His research is centered on the development of bioengineered organ-on-chip models that simulate the human lymphatic system, aiming to shed light on the mechanisms underlying lymphatic diseases, neurological disorders, and cancer. Since joining the faculty at Cornell in July 2019, Lee has published 24 papers (out of 43 total), including his corresponding-authored original papers in Biofabrication, Lab on a Chip, PNAS, ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering, Microcirculation, Advanced Biology, Cellular & Molecular Bioengineering (CMBE), and Scientific Reports. His lab’s innovativeness has been recognized with several awards, including the NSF Career Award (2024), Biomedical Engineering Society Cellular & Molecular Bioengineering (CMBE) Young Innovator Award (2023), Emerging Leader in Biological Engineering from the Journal of Biological Engineering (2022), and the Microcirculatory Society (MCS) Award for Excellence in Lymphatic Research (2021). He has secured 5 NIH grants (2xR01, 3xR21) as PI and several others, including the Adam & Rachel Broder Grant, KIST Fund, and Multi-Investigator Seed Grant. Including other collaborative grants, his grant funding totals about $6.2M (funds to his lab). As an educator, Lee has taught an undergraduate course, Introduction to Biomedical Engineering, and a graduate course, Cancer & Immuno-Engineering. In recognition of his teaching, he received the James & Mary Tien Excellence in Teaching Award, the highest teaching honor in the college, from Cornell College of Engineering in 2023.
10:30am, Shaffer 3