Investigating how hormonal changes affect mucus secretion in the endocervix for drug development
Official title: A multi-disciplinary approach to uncover novel insights of endocervical mucus secretion for future drug discovery
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11140909 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how hormones affect the mucus in the cervix, with the goal of finding new ways to help with fertility or contraception that don’t rely on hormones, so it could be helpful for anyone trying to understand their reproductive health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | May 20, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $743,287 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD115770-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140909 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing fertility issues or those seeking non-hormonal contraceptive options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by hormonal changes or those not seeking fertility-related treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore the cells and pathways that influence changes in endocervical mucus due to hormonal fluctuations. By understanding these mechanisms, the study seeks to develop new, non-hormonal treatments that could either inhibit or enhance fertility. The research will utilize advanced methodologies to analyze mucus properties and their implications for reproductive health. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved contraceptive methods or fertility treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative non-hormonal therapies for contraception and fertility enhancement.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in related fields, particularly in airway mucus studies, has shown promising advancements, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Leo Liu — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Han, Leo Liu
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how a protein affects nerve cell movement in Alzheimer's disease
This study is looking at how a protein called APP affects the growth and movement of nerve cells, which is important for understanding Alzheimer's disease, and it aims to find out how problems with this protein might lead to nerve cell damage.
-
Understanding how the bone marrow environment drives AML resistance
A large NIH-funded project at Oregon Health & Science University is studying how the body’s own cell surroundings help acute myeloid leukemia become resistant to treatment, with potential paths to better therapies for patients.
-
Improving Safety at Work with a Low-Resource mHealth Program in Malaysia (and beyond)
A low-cost mobile health program to improve safety culture in Malaysian workplaces, with plans to adapt the approach for U.S. workers in high-risk industries.
-
Oregon Healthy Workplace Initiative for Better Health
A multi-site effort aims to improve the health and safety of workers by coordinating research, tools, and interventions across workplaces.
-
Understanding how AML cells become resistant to therapy over time
This project looks at why acute myeloid leukemia stops responding to treatment and how to design better drug combinations to prevent relapse.
-
Mechanisms and Countermeasures for Ultra-Potent Synthetic Opioid Overdose
A small, focused NIH grant aims to understand why ultra-potent synthetic opioids cause severe overdose and to explore potential countermeasures to keep people safe.
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.