Dysregulated ovarian debris clearance driving aging and inflammation in the ovary
Official title: Dysregulated ovulatory debris clearance as a driver of ovarian fibroinflammaging
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11527276 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Northwestern University looks at why the aging ovary accumulates waste and inflammation, and how this affects fertility and hormone function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $400,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG101802-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11527276 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing aging-related fertility or hormonal changes who may contribute via tissue samples or clinical data in future translational steps.
✕Less likely to help
People without ovarian aging concerns or who do not contribute biological samples or data may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on why the ovary ages faster than other tissues and how persistent debris and inflammatory cells contribute to fibrosis and reduced egg quality. It will examine how post-ovulation debris and a special macrophage population called multinucleated giant cells influence tissue remodeling and ovarian aging. The research uses transcriptomic insights and models of aging to understand how debris clearance becomes impaired and drives fibroinflammaging. If successful, the work could identify targets to preserve ovarian function as people age.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding debris clearance in the aging ovary could lead to strategies that preserve fertility and hormonal health in aging individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown debris and inflammatory cells influence aging in other tissues, suggesting this could be a promising approach in the ovary.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duncan, Francesca E. — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Duncan, Francesca E.
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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.