How support cells (interstitial fibroblasts) may cause prostate overgrowth
Interstitial fibroblasts drive prostate branching morphogenesis
This project looks at whether support cells called interstitial fibroblasts cause prostate tissue to grow and form the nodules seen in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in adult men.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11320704 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map which signaling molecules these fibroblasts produce in developing human prostates and in BPH tissue using advanced spatial transcriptomics. They will test those signals on adult prostate epithelial cells and lab-grown prostate tissue to see if the signals drive cell growth and branching. The team will also use live models to study how fibroblast-derived signals control prostate epithelial behavior over time. Together these steps aim to trace how embryonic-like signaling might be reactivated in BPH.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with benign prostatic hyperplasia or men undergoing prostate surgery who can donate tissue samples would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People without a prostate or men without prostate enlargement seeking immediate symptom relief are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal specific signals that drive prostate enlargement and point to new targets to prevent or shrink BPH nodules.
How similar studies have performed: Cell-mapping and ex vivo organ experiments have helped uncover growth signals in other organs and the team's preliminary data suggest this approach can reveal new drivers of BPH, though applying it to adult prostate branching is a novel step.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Strand, Douglas William — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Strand, Douglas William
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.