How aging (senescent) cells contribute to uterine fibroids
Role of senescent cells in uterine fibroid pathogenesis
This project looks at whether 'senescent' (aged) cells drive the scarring and symptoms of uterine fibroids in women with heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or infertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258940 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are comparing cells from fibroid tissue to nearby normal uterine tissue to see how aged (senescent) cells affect scarring and inflammation. They use single-cell RNA sequencing and new computer analyses to map which cells are senescent and how they signal to immune cells. Lab techniques like immunofluorescence and flow cytometry are used to confirm the presence of senescent cells, changes in macrophages, and abnormal blood vessel patterns in fibroids. The team aims to identify biological targets that could lead to non-surgical treatments for fibroid-related symptoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women diagnosed with uterine fibroids—especially those experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or fertility problems and who can provide tissue or blood samples or attend clinic visits—would be ideal candidates to be involved in related studies.
Not a fit: People without uterine fibroids or whose symptoms come from other gynecologic conditions are unlikely to see direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new non-surgical therapies that reduce fibroid scarring, heavy bleeding, and pain by targeting senescent cells.
How similar studies have performed: Studies that target senescent cells have shown promise in other fibrotic diseases, but applying those approaches to uterine fibroids is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Segars, James H. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Segars, James H.
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.