Pituitary gene activity linked to the obesity-related drop in ovulation signals
Official title: Pituitary transcriptional mechanisms underlying the diminished luteinizing hormone surge
Funded at Colorado State University · NIH-11439578 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how obesity changes pituitary cell activity to weaken the LH surge that triggers ovulation, using an animal model that mirrors human biology.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $154,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD123071-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11439578 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are women with obesity experiencing infertility related to impaired LH dynamics; results may inform future human trials.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without obesity or infertility related to LH surge impairment may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how obesity affects the transcriptional and chromatin accessibility patterns of gonadotropes in the pituitary during the preovulatory phase, using single-nucleus multiome sequencing in an obese sheep model. The goal is to uncover the molecular pathways that blunt the LH surge and alter fertility, with findings that could guide future interventions for women with obesity-related infertility. The study builds on preliminary data showing obesity delays the LH surge and identifies key transcriptional programs responsive to estradiol in gonadotropes. By analyzing how metabolic dysfunction modifies pituitary responsiveness to estradiol and GnRH, this work aims to reveal actionable targets to restore normal reproductive hormone dynamics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these mechanisms could lead to new treatments or lifestyle strategies to improve fertility for individuals with obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data in the OVX ewe model showed obesity delays and blunts the LH surge, suggesting a translatable mechanism.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clay, Colin M — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Clay, Colin M
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.