Environmental chemicals and the AHR pathway in uterine fibroids
Environmental Pollutants and AHR pathway in Uterine Leiomyoma
This research looks at whether everyday chemical exposures make fibroids grow by activating the AHR pathway, especially in women whose fibroids have MED12 mutations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237976 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study fibroid tissue and cells from women to see how MED12 mutations change tryptophan breakdown and increase levels of kynurenine, a molecule that turns on the AHR pathway. They will measure kynurenine and AHR activity in patient samples and in lab-grown fibroid cells, and expose cells to common endocrine-disrupting chemicals to mimic real-world exposures. The team will use genetic tools and drugs that block TDO2 or AHR to see if stopping this pathway reduces fibroid cell survival and growth. Findings aim to point to non-surgical treatment targets for fibroids linked to environmental exposures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women of reproductive age with uterine fibroids, particularly those undergoing surgery or biopsy who can provide tissue and those suspected to have MED12-mutant fibroids, would be ideal candidates to participate.
Not a fit: People without MED12-mutant fibroids, postmenopausal patients, or those unwilling to provide tissue samples are less likely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify drug targets that slow or stop growth of MED12-mutant fibroids and lead to new non-surgical treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have shown higher kynurenine and AHR activity in fibroids and that blocking TDO2 or AHR reduces fibroid cell survival, but applying these findings to patient care is still new.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bulun, Serdar E. — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Bulun, Serdar E.
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.