How sugar changes on FSH affect ovarian cell signaling
Official title: Project 2: Role of Glycosylation in FSH Signaling in FSH Target Cells
Funded at Wichita State University · NIH-11123145 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at how different sugar attachments on the hormone FSH change signals in ovarian cells that help control fertility as women age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wichita State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Wichita, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2009 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $358,308 |
| NIH project number | 5P01AG029531-13 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123145 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women concerned about age-related fertility decline or diminished ovarian reserve (for example, low AMH or trouble conceiving) would be the most relevant group.
✕Less likely to help
Because much of the work is in mice and lab cells, people seeking immediate infertility treatment are unlikely to get direct, short-term benefit from this project.
What this research studies
Researchers use aging mouse models and lab-grown ovarian (granulosa) cells to compare two forms of FSH that differ in their sugar groups and biological activity. They will examine how these FSH forms change key transcription factors (like CREB and YAP1) and the genes these factors control, using molecular assays such as ATAC-seq and cell-based tests of proliferation, apoptosis, and senescence. By mapping how FSH glycoforms alter the granulosa cell transcriptome, the team hopes to explain why ovarian follicles respond differently with age and identify molecular steps that could be targeted to preserve ovarian function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new tests or treatments to protect ovarian reserve or improve fertility in women experiencing age-related decline.
How similar studies have gone: Prior laboratory and animal studies have shown hypo-glycosylated FSH can be more active, but linking FSH sugar patterns to specific gene-regulatory pathways in granulosa cells is a newer, mostly preclinical area.
Where this research is happening
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Wichita State University
Wichita, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davis, John S — Wichita State University
- Study coordinator: Davis, John S
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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.