Biomarkers and pathways behind persistent endometriosis pain
Official title: Novel biomarkers and pathways of persistent endometriosis-associated pain across the life course
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11309169 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks for immune and inflammatory signals in adolescent and adult women with endometriosis to spot who may develop long-lasting pelvic pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | March 23, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $809,330 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD111242-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11309169 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adolescent and adult people assigned female at birth with a diagnosis of endometriosis or ongoing endometriosis-associated pelvic pain.
✕Less likely to help
People without endometriosis or whose pelvic pain comes from clearly unrelated causes may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will collect information about your pain history, symptoms, and likely biological samples such as blood (and when available, tissue) to search for immune and inflammatory markers. They will follow and compare adolescents and adult women to see what changes when pain shifts from short-term to persistent and widespread. The team will use lab tests and data analysis to identify neuroimmune and inflammatory pathways linked to more severe or stubborn pelvic pain. Findings are meant to help match treatments earlier to people at higher risk of chronic pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help predict who is at risk for persistent endometriosis pain and guide earlier, more targeted treatment choices.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has linked inflammation to worse endometriosis symptoms, but using neuroimmune biomarkers across adolescence into adulthood to predict persistent pain is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: As-Sanie, Sawsan — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: As-Sanie, Sawsan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Molecular clues to endometriosis-related infertility
This grant explores how molecular changes in endometriosis contribute to infertility, with the aim of finding better ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
-
Hormonal Influences on Inflammation in Endometriosis
A study in adult women with endometriosis looks at how hormones and immune pathways interact to influence inflammation and symptoms.
-
How genes influence endometriosis in women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds
The team will compare genetic changes in tissue from women of various races who have endometriosis to find molecular targets for better treatments.
-
Quantum diamond sensor endoscopy to map iron in endometriosis
A tiny quantum sensor built into an endoscope will map iron in endometriosis lesions to help diagnose the disease noninvasively.
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Understanding how RPLP1 affects endometriosis and adenomyosis
A patient-focused look at how a ribosomal protein called RPLP1 may drive tissue changes in endometriosis and adenomyosis and what this could mean for future therapies.
-
CXCR4 methylation in endometriosis and its role as an early biomarker and non-hormonal therapy target
This project explores how changes in CXCR4 gene regulation may help diagnose endometriosis earlier and point toward non-hormonal treatments for the condition.
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.