How age-related forms of the hormone FSH affect ovaries and bones
Project 1: Functional Analysis of Age-Specific FSH Analogs Using Genetically Altered Mice
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 ID | NIH-11123143 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: Men and people without hormonal or age-related bone or ovarian concerns are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic lab research.
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 performed: 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
Wichita, United States
- 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 below.