NIH-funded research R21 grant

Investigating the role of SMAD5 signaling in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Official title: SMAD5 signaling in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10975693 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how reproductive health and overall well-being are connected in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), focusing on how certain hormones affect both reproductive and other health issues, and it invites women with PCOS to help by sharing health information and samples.

More Polycystic Ovary Syndrome research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBaylor College of Medicine
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$240,000
NIH project number1R21HD116116-01
Project IDNIH-10975693 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for participation include women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, particularly those with a family history of the condition.

Less likely to help

Patients without a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or those who do not have a family history of the condition may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research explores the connection between reproductive health and overall well-being in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). It focuses on understanding how hormonal changes, particularly involving anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and androgens, contribute to both reproductive and non-reproductive health issues associated with PCOS. By analyzing clinical and genomic data from affected families, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of PCOS and its related health risks. Patients may be involved in providing biological samples and health information to support this investigation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for women suffering from PCOS and its associated health complications.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding hormonal influences in PCOS, but this specific approach using SMAD signaling is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • Baylor College of Medicine
    Houston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Pangas, Stephanie a. — Baylor College of Medicine
  • Study coordinator: Pangas, Stephanie a.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • SMAD5 and PCOS/PMOS: a new genetic clue to infertility

    A research project at Baylor College of Medicine is studying a genetic variant in SMAD5 that may cause a form of PCOS/PMOS and could lead to new ways to diagnose or treat infertility.

    NIH research Baylor College of Medicine · Houston, United States · NIH-11595517

  • TLR4 blocker for improving fertility in PCOS

    A promising, already-approved drug (disulfiram) will be tested to see if it can reduce inflammation and improve ovulation in women with PCOS.

    NIH research University of California-Irvine · Irvine, United States · NIH-11456298

  • Genetic clues to PCOS: how genes shape a common women's health condition

    A doctor-scientist team at Boston Children’s Hospital is studying how genetic factors contribute to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) across women, men, and children to understand the root causes.

    NIH research Boston Children's Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11402645

  • Semaglutide to help restore ovulation in youth and adults with PCOS

    A study tests an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist (semaglutide) to improve ovulation and hormonal balance in people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

    NIH research University of Colorado Denver · Aurora, UNITED STATES · NIH-11378816

  • Understanding how PCOS develops during adolescence

    This grant looks at how polycystic ovary syndrome begins in teenagers and what early signs help doctors diagnose it accurately.

    NIH research Cornell University · Ithaca, United States · NIH-11378637

  • AI-powered ultrasound tool to help diagnose PCOS

    A new AI-based tool uses ultrasound images to help doctors reliably identify polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in reproductive-age women.

    NIH research Cornell University · Ithaca, United States · NIH-11378391

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.