How uterine glands form and function
Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Uterus Development
This project looks at how genes control the tiny glands in the uterus to help people with infertility and pregnancy loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11317160 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have struggled with infertility or repeated pregnancy loss, this research is focused on the small glands inside the uterus that support pregnancy and how they develop. Scientists will use newborn mouse models, tissue studies, and molecular lab techniques to follow the FOXA2 gene and changes in DNA packaging that turn genes on or off. They will combine genetic experiments with bioinformatics to map the gene networks that drive gland formation and function. The goal is to link basic findings to human uterine conditions like adenomyosis, endometriosis, and uterine cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, or uterine gland–related conditions (such as adenomyosis or endometriosis) who might donate tissue or participate in future clinical components would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without uterine or reproductive conditions, non–reproductive-age individuals, or men are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Greater understanding of uterine gland biology could lead to new ways to diagnose, prevent, or treat infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and related uterine disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies show that loss of uterine glands or FOXA2 leads to infertility in mice, but translating those findings into human treatments is still at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
Columbia, United States
- University of Missouri-Columbia — Columbia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spencer, Thomas E — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Spencer, Thomas E
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.