Investigating the role of enteric glial cells in alleviating symptoms of endometriosis
Official title: The Enteric Glia as a Possible Target for Symptom Relief in Endometriosis
Funded at Ponce School of Medicine · NIH-11045649 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the gut might affect pain and inflammation in women with endometriosis, and it will also explore how activities like exercise could help improve their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ponce School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ponce, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $156,800 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM149365-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045649 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women of childbearing age who are diagnosed with endometriosis and experience chronic pelvic pain or gastrointestinal symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have endometriosis or those with other unrelated chronic pain conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how enteric glial cells (EGCs) contribute to the symptoms experienced by women with endometriosis, a chronic and painful condition. The study will explore the relationship between EGCs and immune cells, particularly how they may influence inflammation and pain. By examining the effects of non-pharmacological interventions, such as exercise, on EGC activity, the researchers aim to identify new therapeutic targets for symptom relief. The ultimate goal is to provide insights that could lead to improved treatment options for patients suffering from endometriosis-related symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments that alleviate the chronic pain and gastrointestinal symptoms associated with endometriosis.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of enteric glial cells in endometriosis is not well-established, similar research has shown promise in understanding the relationship between glial cells and inflammation in other conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Ponce School of Medicine
Ponce, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Appleyard, Caroline B — Ponce School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Appleyard, Caroline B
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.