Role of hyaluronan in egg development and ovarian reserve
Official title: Elucidating the role of the hyaluronan on PGC development and ovarian reserve establishment
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11668041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how the hyaluronan matrix in the ovary affects the aging of the female reproductive system and the pool of eggs available.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $462,856 |
| NIH project number | 6R01HD116853-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11668041 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults 21+ years old who may benefit from future therapies targeting ovarian aging and ovarian reserve.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without ovarian aging concerns or those not considering future fertility options may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
From a patient’s perspective, this research looks at why the ovary’s egg supply declines with age and how the surrounding tissue environment, including the extracellular matrix, might influence this process. The project focuses on hyaluronan and how its different forms could drive inflammation, fibrosis, and changes in ovarian tissue that relate to aging. By understanding these mechanisms, researchers hope to identify new ways to preserve or improve ovarian function for women as they get older. The work will involve examining human ovarian tissue context and pathways that connect aging, inflammation, and tissue structure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new strategies to maintain or extend female ovarian function and delay reproductive aging.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked hyaluronan and tissue inflammation to aging processes, but this project explores their specific role in human ovarian aging, which remains relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brieno-Enriquez, Miguel Angel — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Brieno-Enriquez, Miguel Angel
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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.