Tryptophan metabolism and fibroid disease: a new path to understanding and treatment
Official title: Tryptophan metabolism and its role in fibroid pathogenesis
Funded at Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center · NIH-11345321 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how tryptophan breakdown enzymes (TDO2 and IDO1) behave in fibroids, with a focus on African American patients, to find new ways to treat fibroid growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Torrance, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $385,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD109286-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11345321 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with uterine fibroids, especially African American women, may be eligible to participate in related analyses or future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without fibroids or those not contributing tissue samples may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project investigates whether high levels of TDO2 and IDO1 in fibroid tissue contribute to tumor growth and inflammation. The team uses patient tissue samples to measure gene and protein levels and tests how blocking TDO2 affects cell growth in lab models. They also explore race-related differences in gene expression, particularly between African American and Caucasian patients. The study aims to connect metabolic changes in tryptophan breakdown with fibroid biology and potential therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify new targets for fibroid therapies and help explain why fibroids may differ across populations.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown that targeting tryptophan metabolism can affect fibroid cell growth in vitro, suggesting this approach is promising but still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
Torrance, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khorram, Omid a. — Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Khorram, Omid a.
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.