Targeting gut-support cells to relieve endometriosis symptoms
Official title: The Enteric Glia as a Possible Target for Symptom Relief in Endometriosis
Funded at Ponce School of Medicine · NIH-11328783 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether calming certain gut-support cells can reduce gut pain and inflammation for people with endometriosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ponce School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ponce, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $156,800 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM149365-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11328783 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with a clinical diagnosis of endometriosis who experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, or altered bowel habits would be most relevant to this work.
✕Less likely to help
People with endometriosis who do not have gastrointestinal symptoms or those seeking immediate clinical treatments may not directly benefit from this preclinical research.
What this research studies
You will hear about work that focuses on enteric glial cells, the support cells for nerves in the gut, and how they may drive gut symptoms in endometriosis. The team uses lab and animal models of endometriosis to see how these cells interact with immune cells, cause inflammation, and contribute to pain. They will test approaches that activate PPARγ (a cellular anti-inflammatory pathway) and non-drug methods like exercise to see if these changes can be reversed. Results will come from tissue studies, immune and molecular measurements, and comparisons to symptom patterns.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new drug or lifestyle approaches that reduce gut pain and inflammation for people with endometriosis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal studies show PPARγ activators and exercise can shrink lesions and reduce inflammation, but the specific role of enteric glia in endometriosis is largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Ponce School of Medicine
Ponce, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Appleyard, Caroline B — Ponce School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Appleyard, Caroline B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Molecular clues to endometriosis-related infertility
This grant explores how molecular changes in endometriosis contribute to infertility, with the aim of finding better ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Quantum diamond sensor endoscopy to map iron in endometriosis
A tiny quantum sensor built into an endoscope will map iron in endometriosis lesions to help diagnose the disease noninvasively.
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Understanding how RPLP1 affects endometriosis and adenomyosis
A patient-focused look at how a ribosomal protein called RPLP1 may drive tissue changes in endometriosis and adenomyosis and what this could mean for future therapies.
-
CXCR4 methylation in endometriosis and its role as an early biomarker and non-hormonal therapy target
This project explores how changes in CXCR4 gene regulation may help diagnose endometriosis earlier and point toward non-hormonal treatments for the condition.
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.