How aging changes in FSH and its receptor affect ovarian follicle cells

Project 3: Understanding the Role of FSHR Oligomerization and Trafficking in Transducing Age-dependent Changes in FSH Glycoforms

NIH-funded research Wichita State University · NIH-11123149

Researchers are looking at how different forms of the fertility hormone FSH and age-related changes in its receptor affect the ovarian cells that support egg development.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWichita State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Wichita, United States)
Project IDNIH-11123149 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project studies different chemical forms of the hormone FSH and how those forms change with age. Scientists will examine how the FSH receptor (FSHR) groups together and moves inside primary granulosa cells from ovarian follicles, and how those behaviors change during follicle development and aging. Lab experiments will measure signaling responses such as cAMP activity and receptor internalization to link receptor behavior to hormone form. The work uses cellular and molecular techniques with cells representative of different follicle stages and ages to build a picture of how hormone–receptor interactions change over time.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Women of reproductive age, especially those experiencing age-related declines in ovarian response or undergoing IVF/other fertility treatments who can provide follicular cells or fluid, would be most relevant to this research.

Not a fit: People not seeking fertility care or men are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the research could guide better fertility treatments by clarifying how age-related hormone changes affect ovarian response and suggesting ways to tailor therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown that different FSH glycoforms alter receptor binding and signaling, but applying those findings to improve clinical care remains at an early stage.

Where this research is happening

Wichita, 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 2026-06-13 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.