How the menstrual uterus repairs and renews itself over a lifetime
Life history of the menstruating uterus
Learning how the uterine lining repairs and regenerates during menstruation to help people with endometriosis, adenomyosis, infertility, and endometrial cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11360373 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using the spiny mouse, the only common rodent that naturally menstruates, to model how the endometrium sheds and then regrows without scarring. They will examine the cells and molecular signals that drive repeated, scarless repair across the reproductive lifespan. The team will perform functional tests in the animal model to see which pathways are required for healthy regeneration. The goal is to reveal targets or strategies that could be translated into treatments for menstrual disorders, infertility, and endometrial cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not recruit patients, but its findings are most relevant to people with endometriosis, adenomyosis, unexplained infertility, heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding, or those at risk for endometrial cancer.
Not a fit: People whose reproductive problems do not involve the uterine lining—for example ovarian-only disorders or non-uterine pelvic pain—are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new ways to promote healthy endometrial repair, reduce menstrual disorders, improve fertility, and lower endometrial cancer risk.
How similar studies have performed: Using menstruating animals like the spiny mouse is relatively new, so this work builds on limited prior studies and is largely exploratory rather than proven.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Harvard University — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mckinley, Kara Lavidge — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Mckinley, Kara Lavidge
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.