Insulin problems in brain support cells linked to delayed puberty and low reproductive hormones
Official title: Astrocyte insulin resistance-induced neuroendocrine defects in pubertal delay and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
Funded at University of Toledo Health Sci Campus · NIH-11261775 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at whether insulin resistance in brain support cells called astrocytes leads to delayed puberty and low reproductive hormones that can cause infertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toledo Health Sci Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toledo, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $533,137 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD104418-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11261775 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with unexplained delayed puberty or hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (low gonadotropin levels) would be the most likely to benefit or to be candidates for related future studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose reproductive problems are due to structural brain lesions, chromosomal disorders, or non‑hormonal causes may not benefit from findings that focus on astrocyte insulin signaling.
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, scientists are using precise genetic tools in animals to turn insulin signaling on or off in astrocytes, the brain cells that help hormone‑releasing neurons. They will follow puberty timing, measure reproductive hormone levels, and test fertility outcomes. At the same time they will study molecules like prostaglandin E2 and enzymes such as COX‑2 and pathways involving FOXO to see how astrocytes affect release of gonadotropin‑releasing hormone (GnRH). These experiments aim to connect metabolic signals in the brain to reproductive timing and function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new ways to treat delayed puberty and some forms of infertility caused by low reproductive hormone signaling.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal work from this group showed loss of insulin signaling in astrocytes delays puberty and reduces fertility, but applying these findings to human treatments is still novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
Toledo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hill, Jennifer Wootton — University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
- Study coordinator: Hill, Jennifer Wootton
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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.