Investigating how E-cadherin loss affects prostate inflammation and urinary issues in older men
Official title: Role of E-Cadherin Down-Regulation in Prostatic Inflammation and Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11042230 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called E-cadherin affects prostate health and urinary issues in older men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), using a special mouse model to find new ways to help improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $475,399 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134580-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042230 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older men experiencing symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia or lower urinary tract dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or do not have symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of E-cadherin, a protein important for cell connections, in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and related urinary tract symptoms in older men. The study uses a special mouse model that mimics age-related changes in the prostate to explore how the loss of E-cadherin leads to inflammation and urinary dysfunction. By examining the mechanisms behind these changes, the research aims to uncover potential targets for new treatments that could improve the quality of life for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing BPH and its associated urinary symptoms, significantly improving patient quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of cell adhesion proteins in prostate health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Zhou — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Wang, Zhou
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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.