How vaginal elastic fibers change with age and injury
Identification of Age and Injury Dependent Mechanisms of Elastic Fiber Dynamics in the Murine Vagina
Researchers are looking at how aging and childbirth-like injuries change the elastic fibers in the vagina to help improve healing and lower the chance of pelvic organ prolapse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237601 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This lab-based project uses mouse models to mimic aging and surgical/childbirth-related injury to the vagina. Scientists measure changes in elastic fiber structure and the mechanical properties of vaginal tissue as animals age or after injury. They also study how those changes affect wound healing and the tissue's ability to recover. The goal is to link those basic findings to why older or previously injured tissue may fail after pelvic floor surgery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most relevant to this research include those who are postpartum, over age 35, have a history of vaginal injury, or are living with pelvic organ prolapse.
Not a fit: People without pelvic floor or vaginal conditions (for example, men or those who never gave birth) are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to protect or restore vaginal tissue so fewer people develop pelvic organ prolapse or face failed repairs after surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have shown age and injury change vaginal mechanics and elastic fibers, but translating these findings into human treatments is still at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
Richardson, United States
- University of Texas Dallas — Richardson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Kristin Suzanne — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Miller, Kristin Suzanne
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.