Creating lab models of the uterine lining (endometrium)
Integrating tissue engineering and microfluidics to model the spatial niches of the human endometrium in vitro with guidance from in vivo multiomics data
This project builds lab-grown models of the uterine lining to better understand implantation, heavy menstrual bleeding, and causes of infertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124100 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will use detailed maps of real human endometrial cells and their locations to build matching lab models using tissue engineering and microfluidic 'organ-on-a-chip' devices. They will grow surface (epithelial) cells together with supporting stromal cells in controlled co-cultures that mimic the early-to-mid secretory phase when implantation occurs. These systems are designed to recreate the tissue’s spatial niches so researchers can study cell communication, implantation biology, and mechanisms behind heavy bleeding. The group plans to make the models robust, reproducible, and shareable so other labs can use them to speed development of tests and treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with infertility or implantation failure, those with heavy menstrual bleeding, and healthy volunteers willing to donate endometrial tissue or biopsy samples would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatment or those unable or unwilling to provide tissue samples would not receive direct benefit from participating in this lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these models could help researchers develop better diagnostics and treatments for implantation failure, infertility, and heavy menstrual bleeding.
How similar studies have performed: Some organ-on-a-chip and endometrial culture approaches exist, but combining high-resolution spatial multiomics with scalable microfluidic co-cultures is relatively new and less proven.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Griffith, Linda G — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Griffith, Linda G
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 below.