Creating models to study how diseases affect men and women differently
Official title: Bioengineering Microphysiological Models of Sex-Specific Pathophysiology
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11062345 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how male and female cells respond differently to hormones and diseases, which could help create better and more personalized treatments for conditions like diabetic retinopathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $242,857 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM152305-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062345 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions influenced by hormonal differences, such as diabetic retinopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to hormonal influences or those not affected by sex-specific pathophysiology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop advanced microphysiological systems that mimic human diseases while considering sex differences. By using both 2D and 3D cell culture techniques, the project will investigate how hormones like estrogen and androgen influence cellular behavior in male and female cells. The goal is to enhance the accuracy of drug testing and therapeutic approaches by understanding how sex-specific factors affect disease mechanisms. This could lead to more personalized and effective treatments for conditions like diabetic retinopathy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and tailored treatments for diseases that affect men and women differently.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using sex-specific models is gaining attention, this particular methodology of systematically comparing sex-matched and cross-sex hormone stimulation in cultured human cells is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mondrinos, Mark — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Mondrinos, Mark
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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.