NIH-funded research R21 grant

Reversing ovarian aging in mice using gene therapy

Official title: Reversal of Ovarian Aging in Mice Through AAV-mediated Oocyte Reprogramming in vivo

Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-10723227 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring a new way to help older women improve their fertility by using a special gene therapy to rejuvenate their egg cells, aiming to restore their reproductive health as they age.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$495,949
NIH project number1R21AG083421-01
Project IDNIH-10723227 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are women of advanced reproductive age who are experiencing infertility or related reproductive challenges.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not of advanced reproductive age or those without fertility issues may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how to reverse the aging process in ovarian cells, specifically focusing on oocytes, which are crucial for female fertility. By using a gene therapy technique called AAV-mediated oocyte reprogramming, the study aims to restore normal reproductive function in aging ovaries. The approach involves understanding the genetic and epigenetic factors that contribute to oocyte dysfunction as women age, with the goal of developing new treatments for infertility and related conditions. If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that improve reproductive health in older women.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new treatment options for women experiencing infertility due to aging.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using gene therapy for ovarian aging is innovative, similar studies in other areas of aging have shown promising results, suggesting potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Neuhausser, Werner — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Neuhausser, Werner

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.