Investigating how progesterone receptors work in obesity to prevent endometrial cancer
Official title: Understanding Progesterone Receptor action in Obesity for Endometrial Cancer Prevention
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10889094 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being overweight might affect the way certain hormones work in the uterus, especially in women at risk for endometrial cancer, to find out how we can better prevent this type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $256,756 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA243249-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889094 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who are obese and at risk for developing endometrial cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not obese or those who do not have a risk of endometrial cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between obesity and endometrial cancer, focusing on the role of progesterone receptors in this context. It aims to understand how adipose tissue influences progesterone action in endometrial cells, particularly using innovative 3D spheroid cultures in microfluidic systems. By examining the effects of adipocytes on progesterone sensitivity and the underlying genetic changes, the study seeks to uncover mechanisms that could help prevent cancer development in obese women. The research employs advanced sequencing techniques to analyze small cell populations, providing insights into early tumorigenic changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing endometrial cancer in obese women by enhancing the understanding of progesterone's protective role.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is innovative, previous studies have shown that understanding hormonal interactions in obesity can lead to significant advancements in cancer prevention.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Ji-Yong Julie — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Kim, Ji-Yong Julie
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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.