How genes influence endometriosis in women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds
Official title: Functional Genomics Across an Ethnically and Racially Diverse Endometriosis Population
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11464658 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The team will compare genetic changes in tissue from women of various races who have endometriosis to find molecular targets for better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $202,498 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HD113693-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11464658 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are reproductive-age women diagnosed with endometriosis, including White, Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients who can provide tissue samples and medical history.
✕Less likely to help
People without endometriosis, those not willing to provide tissue or records, or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project uses tissue and clinical data from more than 1,400 women with endometriosis, including White, Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients. Researchers will sequence DNA to catalog somatic mutations such as ARID1A, KRAS, and PIK3CA and measure how often these changes occur in each group. They will apply single-cell and spatial genomics to see which cell types and tissue regions are affected by those mutations. Findings will be tested in a mouse model to link genetic changes to tissue behavior and identify possible drug targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new, more precise treatments that reduce pain and improve fertility for people with endometriosis, especially in under-studied racial and ethnic groups.
How similar studies have gone: Prior genomic studies have found somatic mutations in endometriosis lesions, but applying large-scale single-cell and spatial genomics across diverse populations is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lawrenson, Kate — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Lawrenson, Kate
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Molecular clues to endometriosis-related infertility
This grant explores how molecular changes in endometriosis contribute to infertility, with the aim of finding better ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
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Hormonal Influences on Inflammation in Endometriosis
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Quantum diamond sensor endoscopy to map iron in endometriosis
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Understanding how RPLP1 affects endometriosis and adenomyosis
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CXCR4 methylation in endometriosis and its role as an early biomarker and non-hormonal therapy target
This project explores how changes in CXCR4 gene regulation may help diagnose endometriosis earlier and point toward non-hormonal treatments for the condition.
-
Hormonal links to inflammation in endometriosis
A study to understand how hormones influence immune signals in endometriosis to help explain symptoms and identify potential targets for treatment.
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.