Targeting lipid signaling to relieve endometriosis pain
Official title: Pro-resolving lipid mediator receptors as therapeutic targets for endometriosis pain
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11201361 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project at Boston Children’s Hospital is exploring new drug targets in the body’s fat-derived signaling system to reduce pain from endometriosis and lessen reliance on opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 24, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $3,887,487 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD115560-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11201361 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with endometriosis experiencing chronic pelvic pain who may benefit from new therapies targeting lipid mediator pathways.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without endometriosis or pain not driven by inflammatory pathways may not benefit from these targets.
What this research studies
This project uses a validated mouse model of endometriosis pain to identify which lipid mediators and their receptors drive pain and inflammation. Researchers will map which receptors respond to specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators and test potential, more stable drug leads that could block pain and shrink lesions. The goal is to find molecules that work quickly, have good stability, and can become safer, non-addictive treatments for endometriosis-related pain. By pinpointing the specific receptors and cell types involved, the team hopes to guide the development of new therapies that avoid long-term opioid use. If successful, this work could pave the way for new options that improve quality of life for people with endometriosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to safer, non-opioid treatments for endometriosis pain and reduced opioid use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show that certain lipid mediators can reduce pain in animal models and inflammation, but human translation remains early.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rogers, Michael Sean — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Rogers, Michael Sean
Related research
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Hormonal Influences on Inflammation in Endometriosis
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How genes influence endometriosis in women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds
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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.