How reproductive organs form before birth
Reproductive tract organ development and differentiation
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · NIH-11311882
This research looks at how embryonic reproductive ducts develop into male or female organs to help people with Differences of Sex Development or uterine birth differences.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11311882 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From your perspective, the team studies how two paired embryonic ducts (Wolffian and Müllerian) form, elongate, and interact with nearby tissues to create male or female reproductive organs. They use laboratory models and molecular tools to follow how hormones like testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone and the surrounding cells control these changes. The researchers track steps such as duct formation, fusion, or elimination and pinpoint when and how these processes can go off course. The goal is to connect specific developmental events to congenital conditions that affect reproductive anatomy and fertility.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Differences of Sex Development, congenital uterine anomalies, unexplained infertility, or recurrent reproductive tract formation problems would be most connected to this research.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatments or symptom relief should not expect direct benefit because the project focuses on basic embryonic development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify causes of congenital reproductive tract differences and point toward better diagnosis, counseling, and future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and molecular studies have defined key hormone roles in duct differentiation, so this project builds on established methods while exploring new mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BEHRINGER, RICHARD R — UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- Study coordinator: BEHRINGER, RICHARD R
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.
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