How hormones change inflammation in endometriosis
Official title: Hormonal Influences on Inflammation in Endometriosis
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11197620 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how sex hormones alter immune and inflammatory processes in people with endometriosis to find clues 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 | September 25, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $296,891 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HG013258-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11197620 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are reproductive‑age people with diagnosed endometriosis who can provide tissue samples or genetic information for research.
✕Less likely to help
People without endometriosis or those unable to provide clinical samples or genetic data are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project.
What this research studies
Researchers will compare large genetic datasets from people with endometriosis and related inflammatory conditions to find shared risk genes. They will analyze patient tissue using single-cell and spatial molecular techniques to see which immune cells and signals respond to hormones. By linking genetic signals to specific cell states and hormone responses, the team hopes to explain why lesions survive outside the uterus and cause pain or infertility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify new hormone‑sensitive immune targets that lead to therapies reducing pain and improving fertility for people with endometriosis.
How similar studies have gone: Genetic and single‑cell mapping approaches have revealed mechanisms in other inflammatory diseases and are promising for endometriosis, but translating those findings into treatments is still early.
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
A study in adult women with endometriosis looks at how hormones and immune pathways interact to influence inflammation and symptoms.
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How genes influence endometriosis in women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds
The team will compare genetic changes in tissue from women of various races who have endometriosis to find molecular targets for better treatments.
-
Quantum diamond sensor endoscopy to map iron in endometriosis
A tiny quantum sensor built into an endoscope will map iron in endometriosis lesions to help diagnose the disease noninvasively.
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Understanding how RPLP1 affects endometriosis and adenomyosis
A patient-focused look at how a ribosomal protein called RPLP1 may drive tissue changes in endometriosis and adenomyosis and what this could mean for future therapies.
-
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.
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.