Investigating the genetic causes of endometriosis
Official title: Microphysiological modeling of Endometriosis
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10935984 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at endometriosis, a condition that causes pain and can affect fertility in women and girls, by using blood samples to create special cells that help researchers learn more about how these cells work with the immune system, with the hope of finding better treatments and understanding for those affected.
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 | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $556,800 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD114195-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10935984 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women and girls of reproductive age who have been diagnosed with endometriosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have endometriosis or are outside the reproductive age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding endometriosis, a condition affecting many women and girls that causes chronic pain and infertility. By using advanced technologies, the team will create induced pluripotent stem cells from blood samples of women with endometriosis and develop a microfluidic device to study how these cells interact with immune cells. The goal is to uncover genetic differences and cellular behaviors that contribute to the condition, which could lead to better treatments and understanding of endometriosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for women suffering from endometriosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar cellular and genetic approaches to understand complex conditions like endometriosis, indicating potential for success in this study.
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Molecular clues to endometriosis-related infertility
This grant explores how molecular changes in endometriosis contribute to infertility, with the aim of finding better ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
-
Hormonal Influences on Inflammation in Endometriosis
A study in adult women with endometriosis looks at how hormones and immune pathways interact to influence inflammation and symptoms.
-
How genes influence endometriosis in women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds
The team will compare genetic changes in tissue from women of various races who have endometriosis to find molecular targets for better treatments.
-
Quantum diamond sensor endoscopy to map iron in endometriosis
A tiny quantum sensor built into an endoscope will map iron in endometriosis lesions to help diagnose the disease noninvasively.
-
Understanding how RPLP1 affects endometriosis and adenomyosis
A patient-focused look at how a ribosomal protein called RPLP1 may drive tissue changes in endometriosis and adenomyosis and what this could mean for future therapies.
-
CXCR4 methylation in endometriosis and its role as an early biomarker and non-hormonal therapy target
This project explores how changes in CXCR4 gene regulation may help diagnose endometriosis earlier and point toward non-hormonal treatments for the condition.
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.