Estrogen Receptor Alpha's Role in Aging and Sex-Specific Responses to 17a-Estradiol

Role of estrogen receptor-a in aging and sex-specific responses to 17a-estradiol

NIH-funded research Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation · NIH-11116974

This project looks at how a compound called 17α-estradiol might affect aging and metabolism differently in males and females.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOklahoma Medical Research Foundation NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oklahoma City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11116974 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

We are exploring how a compound called 17α-estradiol might help with healthy aging, especially looking at why it seems to work better in males than females. This work aims to understand if a specific protein, estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), is essential for 17α-estradiol's benefits on health and lifespan. We also want to know if this compound affects metabolism mainly through ERα signaling in the brain. Additionally, we will see if activating ERα in the brain can copy these beneficial effects and if removing natural estrogen production in females makes them respond to 17α-estradiol.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to understand biological mechanisms relevant to anyone interested in healthy aging and sex-specific health interventions.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments or direct participation in a human clinical trial would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to promote healthy aging and address age-related conditions, especially considering sex differences in treatment responses.

How similar studies have performed: The NIA Interventions Testing Program has previously shown that 17α-estradiol extends lifespan in male mice, indicating some prior success with this compound.

Where this research is happening

Oklahoma City, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.