How genes influence endometriosis in women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds
Functional Genomics Across an Ethnically and Racially Diverse Endometriosis Population
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 ID | NIH-11464658 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are reproductive-age women diagnosed with endometriosis, including White, Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients who can provide tissue samples and medical history.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
San Antonio, United States
- 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
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.