Lab models that mimic how ovarian endometriosis begins
Physiomimetic Models of Endometrioma Initiation
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · NIH-11306097
Building lab-grown tissue models to learn how ovarian endometriosis (endometriomas) starts so people with pelvic pain or infertility can benefit from better treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAMPAIGN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11306097 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project will build lab-grown tissue models that recreate the ovarian environment to show how endometriomas form. Researchers will combine endometrial and ovarian stromal cells with biocompatible materials to mimic lesion initiation and invasion. The models will be exposed to hormones and inflammatory signals to recreate menstrual and chronic inflammatory conditions. Results aim to reveal the early steps that let lesions persist and come back after surgery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with endometriosis or those undergoing gynecologic surgery who can donate menstrual tissue, ovarian tissue, or medical records would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without endometriosis or those seeking an immediate clinical treatment should not expect direct personal benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent, treat, or reduce recurrence of ovarian endometriomas and lessen pain and infertility.
How similar studies have performed: Tissue-engineering approaches have been useful in related reproductive and inflammatory research, but physiomimetic models focused specifically on ovarian endometrioma initiation are relatively new.
Where this research is happening
CHAMPAIGN, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN — CHAMPAIGN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HARLEY, BRENDAN A. — UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
- Study coordinator: HARLEY, BRENDAN A.
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 below.