Activating and maturing ovarian follicles from preserved tissue

Releasing, activating, and maturing follicles from cortical tissue utilizing dynamic synthetic microenvironment

NIH-funded research Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NIH-10710212

This study is working on new ways to help cancer patients and others at risk of infertility by finding better methods to grow and mature eggs from frozen ovarian tissue, so they can have more options for starting a family in the future.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLurie Children's Hospital of Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-10710212 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving fertility preservation techniques for cancer patients and others at risk of infertility by developing methods to activate and mature ovarian follicles from cryopreserved ovarian tissue. The approach involves isolating primordial follicles and enhancing their growth in a controlled laboratory environment to produce viable eggs. By refining the process of in vitro growth and maturation, the goal is to increase the number of usable eggs for patients who have undergone ovarian tissue cryopreservation. This could provide a safer alternative to traditional transplantation methods, which carry the risk of reintroducing disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include cancer patients and individuals at high risk of infertility who have undergone ovarian tissue cryopreservation.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have ovarian tissue cryopreserved or those whose infertility is not related to ovarian function may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance fertility preservation options for patients, potentially leading to more successful pregnancies.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of in vitro growth and maturation of ovarian follicles is still being developed, preliminary research has shown promise in similar methodologies, although this specific application remains novel.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.