Investigating brain neurons involved in polycystic ovary syndrome
Official title: The Role of Kisspeptin/Neurokinin B/Dynorphin (KNDy) neurons in an animal model of polycystic ovary syndrome
Funded at Kent State University · NIH-11172548 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells affect hormone signals related to fertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hoping to find new ways to help improve reproductive health for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kent State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kent, United States) |
| Project start | August 19, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $326,800 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD114701-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11172548 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women of childbearing age who are diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have polycystic ovary syndrome or those who are not of reproductive age may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific neurons in the brain, known as KNDy neurons, contribute to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common cause of infertility in women. By using an animal model, the study examines how these neurons respond to hormonal signals that typically regulate reproductive functions. The goal is to identify the mechanisms behind the impaired hormonal feedback that leads to ovarian dysfunction in PCOS, which could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the brain's role in fertility issues associated with PCOS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve fertility in women suffering from PCOS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding hormonal feedback mechanisms in PCOS, but this specific approach focusing on KNDy neurons is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Kent State University
Kent, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moore, Aleisha — Kent State University
- Study coordinator: Moore, Aleisha
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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SMAD5 and PCOS/PMOS: a new genetic clue to infertility
A research project at Baylor College of Medicine is studying a genetic variant in SMAD5 that may cause a form of PCOS/PMOS and could lead to new ways to diagnose or treat infertility.
-
TLR4 blocker for improving fertility in PCOS
A promising, already-approved drug (disulfiram) will be tested to see if it can reduce inflammation and improve ovulation in women with PCOS.
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Genetic clues to PCOS: how genes shape a common women's health condition
A doctor-scientist team at Boston Children’s Hospital is studying how genetic factors contribute to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) across women, men, and children to understand the root causes.
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Semaglutide to help restore ovulation in youth and adults with PCOS
A study tests an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist (semaglutide) to improve ovulation and hormonal balance in people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
-
Understanding how PCOS develops during adolescence
This grant looks at how polycystic ovary syndrome begins in teenagers and what early signs help doctors diagnose it accurately.
-
AI-powered ultrasound tool to help diagnose PCOS
A new AI-based tool uses ultrasound images to help doctors reliably identify polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in reproductive-age women.
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.