CXCR4 methylation in endometriosis and its role as an early biomarker and non-hormonal therapy target
Official title: CXCR4 Regulation: Methylation Dynamics In Endometriosis
Funded at Marshall University · NIH-11424504 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how changes in CXCR4 gene regulation may help diagnose endometriosis earlier and point toward non-hormonal treatments for the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marshall University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Huntington, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $147,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R16HD122676-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11424504 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adult women affected by or at risk for endometriosis who consent to participate in epigenetic studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without endometriosis or those not contributing tissue or data may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
Endometriosis affects many people with painful symptoms and infertility, and current tests can be invasive. The study will look at how the CXCR4 gene is regulated by methylation and how this relates to disease development and progression. Researchers will use molecular techniques to see if CXCR4 methylation patterns can serve as an early biomarker and help identify new treatment approaches. Undergraduate students will gain hands-on experience with modern epigenetic methods in a translational setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, early, non-invasive diagnosis and non-hormonal treatment options for endometriosis could improve quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies link CXCR4 to endometriosis cell migration and stem cell trafficking, supporting this line of investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Marshall University
Huntington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Santanam, Nalini — Marshall University
- Study coordinator: Santanam, Nalini
Related research
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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.