Targeting SIRT1 to treat endometriosis
SIRT1 as a Therapeutic Target in Endometriosis
This project explores whether blocking a protein called SIRT1 can fix hormone resistance and help slow or reverse endometriosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11175381 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are focusing on a protein called SIRT1 that appears to make endometriosis resistant to the hormone progesterone. They use engineered mice, non-human primate models, and samples of human tissue to see how inflammation turns on SIRT1 and drives disease. The team has models that light up lesions so they can watch disease progression and test whether changing SIRT1 levels stops or reverses lesions. The goal is to develop new diagnostic tests or treatments that restore hormone response and limit pain and infertility from endometriosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a clinical diagnosis of endometriosis—especially those with persistent pelvic pain or difficulty conceiving—would be the likely candidates for future trials stemming from this work.
Not a fit: Because this is primarily preclinical work using animals and tissue samples, patients seeking immediate treatment effects or those whose symptoms are not caused by endometriosis are unlikely to benefit now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to tests or new treatments that restore progesterone responsiveness and reduce endometriosis-related pain and infertility.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have linked SIRT1 to progesterone resistance and some preclinical data are promising, but targeted SIRT1 therapies have not yet been proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jeong, Jae-Wook — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Jeong, Jae-Wook
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 below.