NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating how early bladder inflammation affects adult bladder function in female mice

Official title: Early life bladder inflammatory events in female mice lead to subsequent LUTS in adulthood

Funded at Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-11023081 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how bladder infections in young mice might affect bladder health and behavior when they grow up, with the hope of finding new treatments for women who have lower urinary tract symptoms later in life.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionChildren's Hosp of Philadelphia
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project startMay 1, 2023
Project endFebruary 28, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$570,212
NIH project number5R01DK135871-03
Project IDNIH-11023081 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are females who have experienced urinary tract infections in early life and are now facing lower urinary tract symptoms.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not experienced early life urinary tract infections or do not suffer from lower urinary tract symptoms may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research explores the connection between early life bladder infections and the development of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in adulthood. By studying female mice that experience repeated bladder inflammation, the researchers aim to understand how these early events impact bladder function and psychological health later in life. The study focuses on the underlying brain circuits and cells involved in bladder-brain communication, which may lead to new therapeutic options for patients suffering from LUTS. The methodology includes modeling urinary tract infections in mice to observe the resulting bladder and behavioral dysfunction.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms and associated psychological issues.

How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically on early life urinary tract infections leading to LUTS, studies on bladder inflammation in adulthood have shown promising results, indicating potential for this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
    Philadelphia, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Zderic, Stephen Anthony — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
  • Study coordinator: Zderic, Stephen Anthony

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.