Creating models to study how diseases affect men and women differently

Bioengineering Microphysiological Models of Sex-Specific Pathophysiology

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA · NIH-11062345

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

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorTULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11062345 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions influenced by hormonal differences, such as diabetic retinopathy.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to hormonal influences or those not affected by sex-specific pathophysiology may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

NEW ORLEANS, 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 →

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.