Investigating how low levels of a specific enzyme affect prostate cell survival and hormone signaling.
Official title: Decreased SRD5A2 and Alternative Estrogen Signaling in Prostatic Cell Survival
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-10944020 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why some older men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) don’t get better with usual treatments, by examining how certain prostate cells react when there's less of a hormone called DHT, which could help find new ways to help those who struggle with current options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $511,084 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK140473-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10944020 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adult men diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia, especially those who have not found relief from standard 5α-reductase inhibitor treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with prostate conditions unrelated to benign prostatic hyperplasia or those who have not been diagnosed with this condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition that affects older men and can lead to urinary issues. The study aims to explore why some patients do not respond to standard treatments that inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By examining prostate cells from mice lacking the enzyme SRD5A2, researchers will analyze how these cells adapt and survive under low DHT conditions, particularly looking at changes in hormone signaling pathways. The findings could lead to new treatment strategies for patients who do not benefit from existing therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia, particularly those who do not respond to current medications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the molecular mechanisms behind treatment resistance can lead to significant advancements in therapy, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
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Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Zongwei — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wang, Zongwei
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.