Molecular clues to endometriosis-related infertility
Official title: Molecular mechanisms underlying endometriosis-associated infertility
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11595518 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how molecular changes in endometriosis contribute to infertility, with the aim of finding better ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $500,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R56HD122660-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11595518 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are women with endometriosis and infertility or severe pelvic pain seeking better diagnostic tests or fertility-enhancing therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without endometriosis or infertility may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
Endometriosis is a condition that affects many women and can cause infertility. The project focuses on how a key molecule, FOXA2, and related pathways influence the development of lesions and fertility problems. Researchers will use advanced 3D cell culture models to study these processes and test potential therapeutic strategies, such as LIF, in preclinical settings. The goal is to translate these findings into earlier diagnosis and smarter treatments for patients who struggle with infertility due to endometriosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier diagnosis and new treatments that improve fertility for women with endometriosis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies implicate FOXA2 in uterine function and endometriosis, and some animal studies support the idea that modulating related pathways may affect lesion growth.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jeong, Jae-Wook — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Jeong, Jae-Wook
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Non-invasive menstrual biomarker test for endometriosis in infertility patients
A non-invasive test using menstrual fluid is being developed to help diagnose endometriosis in people dealing with infertility.
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A new non-invasive test for diagnosing endometriosis in women facing infertility
This study is working on a simple and non-invasive test using menstrual fluid to help diagnose endometriosis earlier, which could make it easier for women to get the care they need and improve their chances of having children.
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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.
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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.
-
Oral FSH receptor activator drugs to lower infertility treatment costs
A new oral drug approach aims to improve fertility treatments by using a small molecule that activates the FSH receptor, potentially making infertility care more affordable.
-
Prediction of ART outcomes for male factor infertility using single-molecule chromatin stenciling in sperm
A new test called sperm Fiber-seq is being developed to better predict how well ART will work for couples dealing with male-factor infertility.
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.