Bioengineered models to study uterine fibroids and their environment
Official title: Bioengineered Models of Intramural Uterine Fibroids: A Dual-Platform Approach to Study Molecular Transport Barriers and Biochemical Interactions
Funded at Worcester Polytechnic Institute · NIH-11360442 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to create two realistic lab models of uterine fibroids to understand how hormones, obesity, and treatments affect fibroid growth and behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Worcester Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $555,371 |
| NIH project number | 1R15HD122160-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11360442 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal patients would be women with or at risk for uterine fibroids, whose doctors may consider future therapies stemming from better preclinical models.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without fibroids or without access to future therapies developed from model findings may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops two advanced in vitro models of uterine fibroids that mimic 3D tissue architecture and the surrounding myometrium. Using tunable transport properties and intramural fibroid conditions, researchers will examine how hormones, obesity-related factors, and therapies influence signaling and growth. The work will help bridge gaps between basic biology and future therapies by providing predictive models of fibroid initiation, growth, and recurrence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these models could accelerate the development of effective treatments and reduce the burden of fibroids for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous models of fibroids have been limited in recapitulating 3D tissue architecture; this project aims to improve translational relevance.
Where this research is happening
-
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whittington, Catherine F — Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Whittington, Catherine F
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.