Body clock's role in Chlamydia-linked fallopian tube infertility

Determining the role of circadian rhythms in Chlamydia associated tubal infertility

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-11326267

This project looks at whether your body's internal clock affects how Chlamydia infections can damage the fallopian tubes and lead to infertility.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11326267 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Chlamydia infections can cause damage to the fallopian tubes that leads to infertility, and the researchers found that the time of day influences infection severity in prior work. In the lab they use mouse models, including a jet-lag model that disrupts circadian rhythms, and have seen more infectivity and tissue damage when rhythms are disturbed. The team will use genetically modified mice missing key clock genes (Bmal1, Per2, Cry1) to see how those genes change infection outcomes and will study which genes, proteins, and miRNAs are turned on or off. Results are intended to point toward whether timing or clock-related biology could be used to prevent or reduce Chlamydia-related tubal damage in people.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Women with a history of Chlamydia infection, recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease, or unexplained tubal infertility would be most relevant to this research.

Not a fit: People without prior Chlamydia infections or those whose infertility is due to non-tubal causes are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to timing-based approaches or new treatments to prevent or limit Chlamydia-related fallopian tube damage and infertility.

How similar studies have performed: Animal studies, including work from this group, suggest circadian disruption changes infection severity, but applying this to human infertility remains largely untested.

Where this research is happening

ATLANTA, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial Venereal Diseases

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.