GATA proteins' role in endometriosis
Roles of GATA Transcription Factors in Endometriosis
['FUNDING_R01'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11248425
Researchers will compare uterine lining tissue from women with and without endometriosis to learn how changes in GATA proteins may cause the condition.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11248425 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work compares endometrial tissue from women who have endometriosis and those who do not, plus specially modified human endometrial cells grown in the lab. Scientists will measure gene activity, epigenetic marks, enhancer activity, and 3-D chromatin organization to see how GATA transcription factors control cell behavior. The project focuses on a 'GATA-switch' where GATA2 is reduced and replaced by GATA4 and GATA6 in endometriotic stromal cells, and will map how that switch alters cellular states. By integrating multiple genomic and chromatin methods, the team aims to link molecular changes to the tissue changes that allow ectopic growth and infertility.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are reproductive-age women diagnosed with endometriosis who can provide endometrial tissue or surgical samples, plus healthy women without endometriosis as comparison donors.
Not a fit: People who cannot or will not provide uterine tissue (for example, those who have had a hysterectomy or are unwilling to undergo sampling) would not be able to participate or benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new diagnostic markers or treatment targets to reduce pain and improve fertility for people with endometriosis.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier research noted altered GATA expression in endometriosis, but linking that switch to epigenetic changes and 3-D chromatin organization is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHAKRAVARTI, DEBABRATA — NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: CHAKRAVARTI, DEBABRATA
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.