How biological sex affects tissue repair and regeneration
Official title: Innate and Hormone-Mediated Sex Differences in Extracellular Matrix Remodeling
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-10908457 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how men and women differ in their ability to heal and repair tissues, especially focusing on how hormones affect this process, which might help explain why women are more likely to develop certain conditions like osteoporosis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 25, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $412,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151127-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908457 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include females at risk for soft tissue injuries or degenerative diseases, particularly those with conditions like osteoporosis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by degenerative diseases or do not have a biological sex that influences ECM remodeling may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the differences between males and females in their ability to repair and regenerate tissues, focusing on the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM). It aims to understand how sex hormones influence ECM remodeling and how these differences contribute to higher rates of degenerative diseases in females, such as osteoporosis and carpal tunnel syndrome. By examining how male and female cells respond to their mechanical environment, the research seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms that lead to these disparities. The findings could inform patient-specific strategies for tissue regeneration and treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and preventive strategies for degenerative diseases that disproportionately affect women.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on sex differences in ECM remodeling is relatively novel, there is existing research that highlights the importance of biological sex in tissue repair and regeneration.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Connizzo, Brianne Kathryn — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Connizzo, Brianne Kathryn
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.