How age-related forms of the hormone FSH affect ovaries and bones
Official title: Project 1: Functional Analysis of Age-Specific FSH Analogs Using Genetically Altered Mice
Funded at Wichita State University · NIH-11123143 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are comparing younger and older forms of the hormone FSH to learn how they influence ovarian function and age-related bone loss in women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wichita State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Wichita, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2009 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $382,958 |
| NIH project number | 5P01AG029531-13 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123143 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People who might benefit most are women going through peri-menopause or post-menopause with concerns about bone loss or declining ovarian function, who could be candidates for future clinical studies based on these findings.
✕Less likely to help
Men and people without hormonal or age-related bone or ovarian concerns are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic lab research.
What this research studies
This project uses genetically altered mice to model the different sugar-modified forms of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) that are common at younger versus older ages. Scientists will produce and compare hypoglycosylated FSH forms (FSH21/18) with the fully glycosylated form (FSH24), measure effects on ovarian health and bone density, and examine activity of FSH receptors on bone-resorbing cells. The team will also study how estrogen controls the age-dependent switch in FSH forms. Results are intended to explain whether shifts in FSH glycosylation contribute to menopausal bone loss and ovarian aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat bone loss and ovarian aging by targeting specific FSH forms or their receptors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous laboratory studies have identified age-related FSH glycoforms and linked them to ovarian function and bone changes, but their distinct in vivo roles and therapeutic targeting remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
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Wichita State University
Wichita, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kumar, T. Rajendra — Wichita State University
- Study coordinator: Kumar, T. Rajendra
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.